The written Word of God, all 66 Books of the Old and New Testament, point in one direction, tell one story, and provide one answer. He is the answer to all of mankind’s ailments, problems, addictions, and sins. At the end of the day, then, there is but one choice and one ballot that must be cast. It states: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” The ballot has a blank line, and each and every person must write in their own answer.
Jesus is Risen! He is Alive! People today, from all walks of life and all over the world, will ask themselves: Is it true? Did this happen? Is it important, really? I know because I used to be in that bandwagon. Seemed I was looking for a way out, a reason to excuse me from having to face truth of my own life, more than trying to really get to the heart of Jesus’ resurrection. You see, many “know about” Jesus. You can know His history, the story, the Gospels even – without ever really “knowing” Him. It is a tragedy for sure, but it is a reality.
To know Jesus, to know His resurrection, goes way beyond anything that anyone can imagine. On the outside looking in, it is impossible to realize this. You can read about Him all day long, take every course at every accredited seminary, write books, preach messages, listen to every radio show on Christian programming, visit the Holy Land, sign up for every ministry – but if you don’t “know” Him as your personal Lord and Savior, it is nothing more than a historical pursuit or a theological journey. He desires far more than that! He came to set the captives free. He came to give life, and life more abundantly.
This Easter, this Resurrection Sunday, how would things change for you if this were our last Easter Sunday before He returns? Would some things get stirred up then? Would there be priority and urgency? Here is what I do know: In the aftermath of His death and crucifixion, men and women of all walks of life were ready to lay down their very lives for the Lord Jesus Christ and for their faith. And over and over again, they did. In other words, they would rather go to the gallows or be burned as a candle (alive) than renounce their Lord and their faith. There were 11 men who followed Him, who struggled mightily, and who were self-absorbed. But after the resurrection, and when the Spirit came on them, and penetrated in them, something drastically changed. It altered them through and through. Paul records that as many as 500 people witnessed the resurrected Christ ascend. My point? Something cataclysmic happened some 2,000 years ago. Something that changed everything. It impacts the present and the future. It impacts each and every one of us.
Death came through sin. And sin has brought corruption, lying, stealing, cheating, adultery, addiction, idolatry, gossip, slander, envy, jealousy, wickedness. But Jesus brought hope, peace, unity, joy, healing, love, and final victory over sin. So death does not have the final word. And His victory is available today, to all who would receive Him and believe in Him (Read John 3:16-17).
In the words of the songwriter: “Thank You for the Cross, Lord, Thank You for the price You paid…” Make this Resurrection Sunday the first day in the rest of your life. Believe in Him. Trust Him. Seek Him while He may be sought. There is nothing in the world like it and nothing in the world you would trade for it.
He is Risen, He is Risen indeed!
Porter
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