April 9: NOW THE REST OF THE STORY

Since we have just come through a very intense time of religious celebration, it is an appropriate time to ask: “Just how important is the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead?” Of all the facts about the life of Jesus, what is the greatest? His Virgin birth? His sinless life? His sacrificial death? His victorious ascension to heaven? The Bible says “we are saved by His life” (Romans 5:10), that is, the total Christ-event. The resurrection claims the unique spot. Interestingly, other religions claim one or more of the truths of Jesus for their founder. None claim a founder who came alive from the grave as Jesus himself prophesied. The bones of religious founders are preserved by their faithful. Jesus left an empty tomb.
If you can’t defeat your greatest enemy on his home field, what value is there in winning occasional battles? “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (I Corinthians 15:17-19 NIV) For many, Easter Sunday is a trip down memory lane. Getting dressed up, going to church, some even going back home to church can give you warm feelings.
This annual church-event is a little like a high school reunion, a “let’s-rally-around-the-flag” for good old Christian America and then a return to normalcy. Normalcy meaning life without the Lordship of Jesus! A kind of spiritual high but certainly nothing to change your life. Maybe a short jab from a guilty conscience?
The unique demands of a Risen Savior won’t be satisfied with a politician pleading for a return to “traditional values” as a ploy to get your vote. Even a somber “God Bless America” won’t impress One who has defeated death and is Lord of All Living Things. Today, you start writing the rest of the story. The changes in your attitude, language, family relationships, citizenship and the like will tell what impact was made on you.

“Jesus, some of us like the buzz we feel when we get high on You during
special religious celebrations. Reveal to us the need for action, not feelings. Amen”