Readings for today: Joshua 22:21-23:16, Luke 20:27-47, Psalms 89:14-37, Proverbs 13:17-19
There is literally only one reason to believe. It has little to do with the sermons we hear, no matter how tightly and eloquently they are argued. It has little to do with the songs we sing, no matter how amazing the musicianship and special effects. It has little to do with the grandeur of the church buildings where we attend, be they soaring cathedrals or intimate sanctuaries. The only reason to believe is because a dead guy named Jesus literally got up on Easter morning two thousand years ago and walked out of the tomb.
The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. It is an otherworldly event. It defies all human categories. It cannot be grasped or understood using human logic. It cannot be explained away. It simply stands in history as a unique, unrepeatable miracle. It is the defeat of death. It is the defeat of sin. It is the defeat of evil and the great enemy of our souls. It represents a new world. Heaven come to earth. The advent of eternal life. As such, the rules that govern this world do not apply. All the complex scenarios that create headaches in this life - like a woman being married to seven different brothers - simply do not apply in the life to come. This is Jesus’ point. Resurrection changes everything.
Today is Easter Sunday. Today Christians around the world gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So what’s changed for you? What difference does Jesus rising from the dead make for you? How is your life different as a result? The Bible says the same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead actually lives inside every believer. Surely that changes things? Surely it gives us a new outlook on life? Surely it influences our desires and ambitions? Surely it shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and actions? Martin Luther once famously remarked that it’s not enough to believe Jesus died and rose again. Even the demons believe this and shudder! No, you must believe He died and rose again for you. It’s got to be personal. So what difference does the resurrection make for you?
Readings for tomorrow: Joshua 24, Luke 21:1-28, Psalms 89:38-52, Proverbs 13:20-23