The Resurrection changes everything.
When Jesus rose from the dead a new chapter in human history began, and what a chapter, a chapter that has seen millions upon millions of lives saved and transformed.
It’s seems fashionable to go on pilgrimage to try and discover yourself, what you believe. I was watching a program the other day that was following a so-called group of ‘pilgrims’ and was struck by the subjective nature of it, how they felt about certain places seemed to be more important than truth. It you felt ‘awed’ by a place that was OK no matter what the place was, a church, mosque, temple, hanging ribbons on a tree. Feelings seemed to validate the place, the beliefs.
Christianity doesn’t start with my feelings, though it impacts them. Christianity deals in truth. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me,” and “I am the resurrection and the life.” He also said “I and the Father are one.” Amazing truth statements.
On Easter Sunday its the truth we proclaim, not a subjective feeling, but a divine and human reality, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!” Yes! He is the resurrection and the life! Our conquering hero! He has fought a fight and won a battle we could never win.
Satan, sin, death, and hell, those things that have stood between us and God, he has defeated them all! I say it again, defeated! All of them! “Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph over his foes!” says the hymn writer, and another, “Fought the fight the battle won, loves redeeming work is done!”
Right from his birth Jesus entered upon the work of our salvation, everyday was part of that work. At the cross it reaches its climax, soon after the cry of dereliction, comes the glorious, triumphant cry, “It is finished!” A cry that sent shudders through the whole demonic world! Suddenly down in the Temple the thick curtain that separated the Holy of holies was torn in two from top to bottom and God invites us to come in. To know him, to live in relationship with him, with nothing between. Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven!
What glorious truth! Truth that has changed the course of human history. Truth that has saved and transformed millions upon millions of lives. May the truth of the resurrection fill your mind and soul. May it captivate you not just today but everyday. We are people of the resurrection, buried with him and raised to new life in him!
If you are a seeker, you don’t need to go on a pilgrimage to find yourself or discover what is true for you, something done by what you feel. Jesus is the truth, whether we feel it or not, and he calls us to hear the good news, repent of our sin and believe in him as our saviour and Lord, and receive the gift of the Spirit, who enables us to say, “Abba, Father.”
It’s Resurrection Sunday! Oh happy day!
The Word 4 Life 