The Resurrection

Recently I was asked a question concerning my belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And as much as I don't want to sound ignorant about this but I can't really recall I've been asked that so directly aside from when I was baptized. Of course, its not like people will ask that sort of question on a regular basis but I guess its just assumed that you believe when people know I 'go to church'. But, really, there are many people who may sit in a pew and even stand up front and not believe this to be the case. No joke. Shocking...but true. Good question though and challenges me to ponder upon.

When I was asked the question I wanted to really think about this and not just reply with a standard christian response. 'Why yes I believe!' I can only speak for myself but I really wanted to have a heartfelt response to this and not just say 'yes' but respond to why.

To delve more deeper into the question, it was being asked because it seems that most people only believe in the death, the cross and the grace that is given. The challenge is the acceptance of the resurrection, the life and the truth. The truth being that we are called to spread the Good News to others about the death and resurrection. It seems that we, as a society, or in western culture are more accepting of grace given and not following through with the life after the cross. However, it doesn't just stop at the cross. There IS a resurrection AND a Commission given to us as ambassador's of Christ's to tell others about this gift given to us. See also Matthew 28!

Why do we only stop at the cross? Because we want to receive but not give? Because we will be out of our comfort zone? Because we don't want to offend? Because we don't think we have enough knowledge? Because we think someone else will do it? Moses was just as hesitant when God called him to lead Isreal to the Promise Land and yet he became one of history's greatest leaders. I ask these questions myself because I feel or fear that my mouth can't put into words the excitement, joy, thrill and at some points, even tears to what my heart feels. Or rather, the Spirit within me.

So, let me ask the question. Do you/I believe the in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ? After some time of putting some thoughts together, I would say 'how could I not!' I'm grateful for the cross and what it has done for me. That someone like myself can mess up yet Christ loves me enough to die on a cross for ME so that I can spend eternity with him in heaven. Wow!! Isn't that amazing?! He knew we would mess up before time began. It's been in God's plan since before creation. I can never do enough deeds worthy to be in His sight so God sent His one and only Son. See also John 3:16!

Like Moses, I have disobeyed at times and have tried to run from hurt I've caused myself, others, God and yet He still finds me and I am humbled. He stills calls us at the burning bush to take off our sandals for this is Holy Ground and he desires us to be with Him. I believe in the resurrection because if I didn't all of this would be for nothing. The cross would be simply a tree dug in the ground with a man hanging on it without any purpose. My heart cries joyful tears for the resurrection for as He was sent into Heaven I long for the day that I will see Him come back the same way. If there wasn't a resurrection why do I do the things I do when some times I don't feel like doing them? I do things to please my Lord, my Saviour, my King, my Master. I strive to serve the way He did and am grateful for the example He's shown me when I know that I am ungrateful.

Some times, most times I feel my knowledge isn't deep enough to share the Good News. I some times feel like the blind man whose story was told in John 9:1-25. To me, he has simple faith, to which I appreciate and feel I live. When asked by the Pharisees who healed him and if this blind man thought Jesus was a sinner his reply was stated beautifully, 'I don't know whether he is a sinner, but I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!' That's how I feel my faith is: simple. I've been put to the task, I've been challenged, I've failed, I've been forgiven and all I can do is live a life that strives to hear Him say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant!'