It's the event that changed everything. Not surprisingly, more effort has been exerted to discredit this amazing event than any other event in human history. If it could be proven false, then everything you and I believe and understand disintegrates around us. It all rises and falls on the resurrection of Jesus.
In the Gospel of John, chapter twenty, the events of that world-changing day are recorded. A woman named Mary discovers, early in the morning, that the gravesite has been tampered with. A large, sealed stone has somehow been moved. Two disciples - Peter and John - race to the site. The truth of the event begins to become evident to them, and then they leave. Mary remains, and is the first individual to encounter the risen Christ. A record of His appearances to the other disciples is listed in this chapter; including His appearance to the proverbial "doubting Thomas". And then we are told the purpose for this amazing chronology of events:
"Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." (John 20.30-31)
A well-preserved record has been handed down through the ages for the express purpose of confronting you with evidence as a basis for faith. And that faith is foundational for true life - life with purpose and meaning today, as it points you toward the prospect of the gift of immortality in the age to come.
The historic precedent has been set: if God could resurrect His Son from the dead and grant Him immortality, then the same possibility exists for you and me. As is so well stated in the resurrection chapter of the Bible, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep." (1 Corinthians 15.20). That chapter also states the key motivation the great fact of Christ's resurrection should bring to our lives: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15.58)
Life matters. Faith matters. Hope is real. Service is valuable. Christ's resurrection frames purpose and service, and powerfully motivates living, love, and faith. Because of it, we have everything; without it we are nothing. It's that important.
May resurrection power overwhelm you today, and infuse you with purpose, zeal, and true life.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
In the Gospel of John, chapter twenty, the events of that world-changing day are recorded. A woman named Mary discovers, early in the morning, that the gravesite has been tampered with. A large, sealed stone has somehow been moved. Two disciples - Peter and John - race to the site. The truth of the event begins to become evident to them, and then they leave. Mary remains, and is the first individual to encounter the risen Christ. A record of His appearances to the other disciples is listed in this chapter; including His appearance to the proverbial "doubting Thomas". And then we are told the purpose for this amazing chronology of events:
"Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." (John 20.30-31)
A well-preserved record has been handed down through the ages for the express purpose of confronting you with evidence as a basis for faith. And that faith is foundational for true life - life with purpose and meaning today, as it points you toward the prospect of the gift of immortality in the age to come.
The historic precedent has been set: if God could resurrect His Son from the dead and grant Him immortality, then the same possibility exists for you and me. As is so well stated in the resurrection chapter of the Bible, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep." (1 Corinthians 15.20). That chapter also states the key motivation the great fact of Christ's resurrection should bring to our lives: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15.58)
Life matters. Faith matters. Hope is real. Service is valuable. Christ's resurrection frames purpose and service, and powerfully motivates living, love, and faith. Because of it, we have everything; without it we are nothing. It's that important.
May resurrection power overwhelm you today, and infuse you with purpose, zeal, and true life.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
posted by steve @ 8:49 AM
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