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April 2004
He is Risen
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April 2004
He is Risen
Of all the affirmations of the Christian faith the claim of resurrection is most central. From the earliest followers of Jesus, through all the ages and until this very day, the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation upon which faith rests. Disciples, confused and frightened before the resurrection, became bold preachers for Jesus after Easter morning. Resurrection faith made them willing to risk life, reputation, and public scorn as they dared to proclaim that God had acted in Jesus in a unique, decisive, and determinative way. Jesus wasn't just another messenger, He was the message. So, from that first Easter morning until this day believers have pointed to the resurrection as the stamp of Divine approval for the life and ministry of Jesus. The resurrection is God's "Amen" not only for the earliest believers but for all who are Christian.
But did you know the truth of the resurrection was not the first response of the disciples? According to Luke 24, the women arrived at the tomb and were met by an angel who explained to them the empty tomb. The women immediately sought out the rest of the disciples and told them what had happened, but the disciples did not believe the women's testimony. As Luke describes it, the resurrection "...seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them." (Luke 24:11). In fact, Peter ran to the empty tomb and stood staring into the emptiness, then went home!
Later the disciples gathered and into the midst of this gathering Jesus made himself known. He appeared before them bodily, showing scars and declaring the reality of his resurrection. He was not a phantom, a ghost, or an illusionary expression of their most profound hope. He was really there! Alive, victorious over the cruelty and evil that had slain him. Alive, forevermore!!
You and I are the people of Easter. Our lives are even now being transformed by the reality of the resurrection. We affirm the historic faith, joining our voices with the saints of the ages and with those of our day. "He is alive...alive forevermore." Praise God!
Grace and Peace,
David