Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Resurrection - the corner stone
And if Christ is not risen your faith is futile: you are still in your sins.
Resurrection from the dead is the cornerstone of Christian doctrine and the power of Christianity. All the other Gods and prophets we know have lived and died and nothing is heard of them after. Only Christ has risen from the grave, conquered death and its sting and gave humanity hope, power and strength. Resurrection is mentioned 104 times in the New Testament and is the most challenging event in the history of the world. Crucifixion loses its meaning without resurrection. Christ is only a noble martyr without resurrection. Death on the cross becomes meaningful and a means for the atonement only with resurrection. The power of Christianity is not because of Christ’s teachings, miracles he has done or his cruel death on the cross but only because of His victory over death and the empty tomb experience his disciples had on Sunday morning with the stone rolled away.
Disciples were scared and were hiding. They were ready to go back to their old professions. Christianity was losing its steam and power. Resurrection gathered the back, infused courage, Holy Spirit and strength. Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life. Those that believe in me though were dead, shall live and all those who believe in Him shall have everlasting life. Many of HIS friends and disciples did not recognize Him after resurrection even though He was with them. The disciples recognized Him when they received his blessings after their failure the whole night in the sea. The disciples travelling to Emmaus could not recognize him till he broke the bread and had supper with them. Thomas was unable to believe unless he touched Jesus and verified.
Is Jesus a stranger to us today? Is He at a distance to us still? If so let us change. Let us do things differently. Jesus has promised us that He will be with us till the end of the world. Let us take directions from Jesus. He said he has gone to make room for us in heaven and will come back. His coming is very near as evident from the worldly events. There is no permanent solution for the human struggles. The leaders of the world are puzzled not knowing what to do to end the chaos. Only solution is His with the establishment of His kingdom when He comes back. Let us prepare ourselves and be ready like the wise woman with the oil awaiting Him and lead a victorious life with the power of the resurrected Christ.
Prayer: Gracious heavenly father we are thankful this morning for the resurrected triumphant Christ and His glorious victory over death. Because you have conquered death we have the eternal hope of salvation. We believe that since you love us and we have you in our lives we have abundant life. We pray that the love and power of the resurrected Christ may dwell in us and allow it radiate to those around us that we may transform to a sweet fragrance to many. Amen.
Thought for the day: Let us walk in the newness of life with the power of the resurrected Christ.
Dr. Thomas K. Jose, MTC, Staten Island