So now it’s over. The debates, the long hours, the hotel
room living, the disappointment, the excitement, the
worship. Hallelujah! General Conference is over, and it’s
time to head back to our regular lives. Is this how the disciples
felt after the Resurrection? It’s been a wild ride, but
now it’s over so we can all get back to normal? Matthew’s
Gospel reflects some doubt (verse 17) that anything has
changed. Then Jesus speaks again, “Go!”
Because now it’s just beginning. The cleanup, the processing,
the reporting, the unpacking. Yes, that work will be
done, but it’s more than that. General Conference is over, and
now it’s time to head into the world—back to our communities
that look to us for a hint that something has changed,
that the status quo is somehow different. We return to our
neighborhoods filled with hurting people, hungry people,
lonely people—those desperate for a word of hope, a sign
of resurrection. Back to our churches that eagerly desire to
hear again the call of Jesus: I am your hope! I am the resurrection!
I am here with you always, for all time!
The reality is that we continue on the way with Jesus
Christ. General Conference is over, but we continue working,
walking, marching, celebrating the good news of God’s
victory over death. The One who sends us out to “therefore,
go!” is the same One who equips us with everything we
need for the mission. The One who calls us on the journey
is the same One who goes with us and who will never abandon
us. Let’s continue on together!
By Laura Jaquith Bartlett from The Upper Room: 60 Days of Prayer for General Conference 2016