Category: Lessons from the Resurrection

I called my god-daughter earlier this week, and she was literally bouncing off the walls.  She discovered she didn’t have school on Friday and had already planned “our” day.  During our conversation, I asked if she knew why she was out of school on Friday.  Shockingly, she had no idea that JESUS is the “reason for the season.”

This recharge is a reminder of why we celebrate Easter, the most epic event of the year!  In the text cited above, Mary Magdalene and friends made the greatest discovery in history.  Their findings surpass fire, the wheel, the car, the Internet, cell phones, and any other ingenious creation.  They discovered the empty tomb – our admission ticket to eternal life and favor with GOD!

While you’re chatting with family and friends this week, spread the good news about JESUS.  The Gospel is a timeless message that will NEVER lose its power.

Share the TRUTH in love …

When I was young, my mom used to drive my dad to the bus stop in the morning.  The bus stop was a short distance from our residence, so she’d often let me sleep while she left.  One morning I woke up, and I discovered I was alone.  Immediately, I ran to the door, only to discover my mom’s car driving off in the distance.  I was devastated and immediately burst into tears; I felt forsaken.

Have you ever felt alone?  Has the weight of your problems convinced you that no one cares?  If so, then you’re in good company; JESUS also felt abandoned.  In this text HE’S overwhelmed and literally has the weight of the world on HIS shoulders.  In this critical moment, JESUS weathered an onslaught of storms – critical constituents, fickle friends, pious priests, and thankless thieves.  When all seemed hopeless, JESUS exclaimed, “Why have you abandoned me?”

Believe it or not, GOD never forsakes us.  Just when we think we’re in the fire alone, GOD is with us, regulating the thermostat.  His promise is eternal and true – HE will not forsake you.  Just remember HIS immortal words, “No, I will not abandon you as orphans-I will come to you” (John 14:18, New Living Translation).

Walk boldly, holding HIS hand … (Psalm 23:4)

Have you seen the movie Simon Birch?  If not, I definitely recommend it; Rolling Stone awarded the movie 3.5 out of 4 stars!  The climax of the movie is incredible.  Simon – the object of ridicule because of his short stature – risks his life to save a busload of children sinking into a frozen pond.  Later, Simon dies.  In an unselfish act, Simon died that others might live.

JESUS also put HIS life on the line for others.  The text cited above captures a gruesome scene: people tempted JESUS to act selfish and save HIMSELF.  Maybe they didn’t realize how tempting this choice was.  Prior to this scene, HE had been beaten, crucified, falsely accused, and rejected by the people HE came to help.  Yet, HE didn’t move.  What a beautiful expression of selflessness!

This recharge is a reminder that selflessness is the way.  Rather than pondering what you can gain from opportunities, pour out your life for others.  Those who serve will be honored later (see Matthew 23:11).

Pressing on …

Most basketball fans remember Moses Malone, one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.  He’s famous for the following quote, “Four, four, four. ”  This was Malone’s prediction that Philadelphia 76ers would win the 1983 NBA championship without losing a game during the playoffs.  Remarkably, the 76ers won the championship, only losing 1 game during the playoffs.

GOD is also famous for predictions.  The events mentioned in the text above occurred just as HE prophesied through Isaiah (see Isaiah 53:12).  Unlike Moses Malone, GOD’S word is error-proof.  If HE says it, that settles it!

No matter what you’re going through, let GOD’S word comfort you.  Hold on; eventually, HIS word will eclipse your worries.  When in doubt, remember these encouraging words: God is not a man, so he does not lie.  He is not human, so he does not change his mind.  Has he ever spoken and failed to act?  Has he ever promised and not carried it through” (Numbers 23:19, New Living Translation).

Walk by faith …