While a departure from my normal run of posts, the topic matter covered here is absolutely at the core of what I believe. I am indebted to Dale Flynn for this guest post; he has clearly put into words what I was struggling to arrive at in my writing. I trust this, if nothing else, at least helps you think about the most important things in your life.
Dale and his wife, Liz, are Word of Life Local Church Ministries missionaries in eastern Maryland. Dale is a Local Church Ministries curriculum editor and is the editor of the Ministering to the Minister E-Transfer national electronic Pastor’s newsletter. Questions or comments about this post may be addressed to Dale at dflynn@wol.org or in the comments section below.
One of the greatest opportunities for us to witness is now upon us, Easter, which I prefer calling Resurrection Sunday. It affords us a natural opening to share the Good News of the substitutionary death, burial, resurrection, and bodily appearance whereby Jesus was seen of many witnesses.
Graphic courtesy of: www.icr.org
Please make an effort to let your light shine. There are plenty of hurting people out there that are desperately in need of hope.
Consider this: What looked like tragedy is about to be resolved in the resurrection. Merrill Tenney points out the contradictions:
- “Although virtuous… He suffered all possible indignities.
- ’Majestic… yet He died in disgrace.
- ’Powerful… yet He expired in weakness.
- ’He claimed to possess the Water of Life… yet he died thirsty.
- ’He claimed to be the Light of the world… but died in darkness.
- ’He said He was the Good Shepherd… but died at the fangs of wolves.
- ’He said He was the Truth… but was executed as an imposter.
- ’He claimed to be Life itself… but died quicker than the average crucifixion victim.
- ’The greatest example of righteousness the world had ever seen… became a helpless victim of evil.”
The garden is silent now for a couple of days. The disciples had left discouraged, defeated, and dejected. They were looking around in utter confusion — but wait a minute — talk about contradictions… something’s about to happen. Things aren’t always as they appear.
- Earth’s saddest day and gladdest day… were just three days apart.
- The cross and the tomb were both occupied… but only for a short time.
- Easter says you can put TRUTH in a grave… but He won’t stay there.
It’s as though Jesus is saying to Satan, “Is that your best punch? Wait until tomorrow!”
- As He looked over Jerusalem, He wept… but one day He will dry our tears.
- In the Garden He prayed… but now He hears our prayers.
- In the Garden He was sold for thirty pieces of silver… but now He redeems us with His precious blood.
Like I said earlier, the Easter/Resurrection Sunday season provides us with a golden opportunity to share the Gospel. Who will you invite to your church? If “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God,” let’s get someone there under the sound of the Gospel and let God do what He does best. On Resurrection Sunday, religion will bring people out… our developing a relationship with them will keep them coming.
Here’s a truth worth considering:
Jesus died over 2000 years ago.
Yet nobody has ever referred to him as the late Jesus,
Not even the heathen.
Nowhere in history.
Nowhere has He EVER been referred to in the past tense!
He is the Living God!
Trust you and your family will enjoy a blessed Resurrection Day!
