Resurrection

the resurrection

He is not here … He is risen!

 

The resurrection of Jesus creates a ‘crisis of faith’ only in those who lack faith … a ‘crisis of belief’ only in those who won’t.

It’s a bit ironic that in a culture so thoroughly engrossed in zombies and walking dead that a living Savior rattles them. With hundreds of millions given to mediums and psychics to bring the departed back into our lives, the thought of the Son of God conquering death spooks them.

But the believer stands before the empty tomb not grappling but grateful. We peer into the deserted interior with great joy, not a furrowed brow and scientific calculator in hand. For us this amazing transformation from dead to powerfully alive means that God can do for us what He promised He would do … give us an exquisite and eternal life.

Without the resurrection we’d have only a memory, not a Savior. We’d be left with a promise-breaker, not a Promise-maker. Sin would be the winner and death would have had the final say in our lives. The taunting sneer and grating cackle of Satan would be something we would all have to live with.

But the integrity of God rests on his kept promises. If He keeps his word then I can trust him in every area of my life. The resurrection assures me of this confidence.

So this week and on into the future I accept the empirical evidences of the risen Lord. The disciples as deceived or deceivers? Hardly. They all suffered and died for their belief. Hallucination? Hardly. Hallucinations come singularly to one person at a time and last briefly. Jesus’ appearances after resurrection lasted over a month and to well over 500 people.

And how about the ‘swoon’ theory? Hardly. Roman soldiers could be executed themselves if anyone survived a crucifixion. And as author Peter Kreeft says, “A half-dead, staggering sick man who has just had a narrow escape is not worshiped fearlessly as divine lord and conqueror of death.”

As for me, the most compelling evidence rests within me. You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!

 

“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life.

Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”

John 11:25 New Living Translation

Tags: , , , ,

One Response to “Resurrection”

  1. WordPress › Error

    There has been a critical error on this website.

    Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress.