L’chaim!

 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.  Romans 5:10

Those of us that are the least bit familiar with the musical, “Fiddler on the Roof,” should then be a little familiar with the Jewish phrase l'chaim.  Great scene, great song. Roughly translated, it means, “To life!” and apparently it is said as sort of a toast when drinking in particular a glass of wine.

But there is a back story to the phrase.  Traditionally, wine had been given to condemned prisoners so that their executions might be less painful for them.  We think we see this with Jesus when he is offered a drink while he is on the cross; wine mixed with gall (bile) which our Lord turns down. (visit Matthew 27:34)  So in Jewish memory, wine was more than often associated with death, as opposed to being associated with life.

The goal of the toast, then, is to celebrate life, and frankly enjoy living.  There will be plenty of other opportunities to acknowledge the reality of death.  But for now… l'chaim!

To some extent, I think that is the goal of the passage from Romans that I’ve quoted above.  Yes, we are reconciled with God by the death of his only son, Jesus.  We cannot neglect that fact.  But.  Death did not have the final say. Post Easter, we’re still focused on the resurrection, which means that Jesus lives.  He has life! L’chaim!

Also…if you are reading this, then you are not dead yet either.  You are still alive!  Jesus life, death and resurrection happened, we are told, so that we may live life largely. Jesus put it this way: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (visit John 10:10)

Life in Christ is meant to be a joyful abundant existence.  Paul says that while we are blessed by Christ’s death, he points out that “much more” shall we be blessed (saved) by His life which continues.  In this life.  Now.

Friends.  Have life.  Have it abundantly.  L’chaim!