WATCHWORD:
10 These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the living Christ within who keeps us safe. 11 Yes, we live under constant danger to our lives because we serve the Lord, but this gives us constant opportunities to show forth the power of Jesus Christ within our dying bodies. 12 Because of our preaching we face death, but it has resulted in eternal life for you. 13 We boldly say what we believe, trusting God to care for us, just as the psalm writer did when he said, “I believe and therefore I speak.” 14 We know that the same God who brought the Lord Jesus back from death will also bring us back to life again with Jesus and present us to him along with you. 2 Corinthians 4:10-14
Meditation:
Why Resurrection?
(The following Meditation was inspired by Tom Wright’s commentaries
found in his series entitled New Testament for Everyone.)
The Resurrection is the center piece in our faith story. We say, without apology, that without the Resurrection there would be no Christianity, no Christ. Our trust in the resurrection is more than our anticipation that we will leave this world someday and go to heaven. On the contrary, it is a bold confidence that God’s kingdom, presence, and power are visible in our world today and that there is a whole new creation.
From the earliest years of the church, there has been consistency in the affirmation and confidence in the Resurrection. Jesus had come through death, out the other side, and, in truth, a new reality was born. The tomb was empty! The risen Jesus had met with them, shared meals with them, and instructed them. The one that had been crucified, had died on the cross, was alive again.
The resurrection of Jesus is more than a belief that Jesus’ body was dead and came to life again, even though that is quite true. It is an awareness that there was a truly cosmic happening when Jesus rose again, and the echo of that reality is still with us and will be into eternity.
Because Jesus has risen, we have more than confidence that our eternity is secure. We have an invitation to become his disciples in the world today. Through his church, Jesus wants to bring justice, lift up beauty and lavish his graces on the earth. The primary way he plans to do this is through you and me. Think about that, you and me, disciples of Jesus, witnesses to his love and his life.
Why Resurrection? Because it is the beginning of new life, fresh grass growing through the hardness of hate, corruption and decay, a light shining in the darkness to signal a better way, a new way. Why Resurrection? That’s why. So be it.
Closing Prayer:
O Risen Lord, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, make us faithful followers of the spirit of Your Resurrection. Grant that we may be inwardly renewed, dying to ourselves in order that You may live in us. May our lives serve as signs of the transforming power of Your love. Use us as Your instruments for the renewal of society, bringing Your life and love to all, leading them to Your Church. This we ask of You, Lord Jesus, living and reigning with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever. Amen.
