Sunday, March 27, 2005

After the Sabbath, around dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to take a look at the tomb. Suddenly there was a powerful earthquake. For an angel of the Lord had come down from heaven, stepped forward, rolled the stone away, and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow. Because they were so afraid of him, the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Stop being afraid! For I know you're looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here. He has been raised, just as he said. Come and see the place where he was lying. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead. He is going ahead of you into Galilee, and you will see him there. Remember, I have told you!" (Matthew 28:1-7)
Today, of all days of the year, the Christian community celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unlike the birth of Christ, His resurrection can be pinpointed to when it took place. There is no doubt what day of the week Jesus again walked among men.
I find it interesting that of all events that have taken place, this most important event can be identified on the calendar. It is as if the Lord wants us to know when His Son rose from the dead more than when He came to this world.
And rightly so...because, as Paul stated, "Now if we preach that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you keep claiming there is no resurrection of the dead?" (1 Corinthians 15:12)
The basis of the religion that has become to be known as Christianity is the fact that God came to earth, suffered for our sins , died for those sins and rose again, to show us the way, the life. "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also came through a man."(1 Corinthians 15:21)
Many call this day Easter, but do not look for the word in your scripture. What you will find about this day are the words resurrection, died for our sins, rose again, new birth, and a new life. The most powerful act in the history of man that was given to us as a gift, handed to us with no strings attached.
A gift that caused the Son of God to take all of our sins, all sins of man, place them "on his shoulders" and be sacrificed for those sins.
Paul wrote that if this resurrection was proved to be false, then of all men, Christians are to be the most pitied (I Cor 15.19), but this event is not a false event, but a true happening that has caused men and women to do great things down through the ages for a truly great God.
The greatest gift to man, freedom from our sins, a life with the burdens of the heart lifted is here, now to all--to be accepted.
Until next time on my front porch.