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CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
Anita
It was Sunday, April 5, A.D. 33.
Sunrise opened that day in Jerusalem at 5:43 a.m. local time, but Mary Magdalene went to the tomb before then. What she saw energized her to run back to her friends and fellow disciples.
Initially she wondered how she would be able to move the massive, sealed stone that covered the front of the tomb. Would she be able to enter the tomb at all? But when she arrived the stone had already been moved away.
Mary left there urgently, obviously confused and fearful, wondering if the tomb had been vandalized by grave robbers. She, Peter and John hurried back, this time entering the rock-hewn tomb where they saw only linen wrappings and the face cloth placed separately nearby.
They were bewildered, and likely we have been too; read accounts in Matthew 28 and John 19.
Just as these three, we too hesitate to believe what we haven’t seen, or what we haven’t touched. Like us, they failed to appropriate Jesus’ teachings, that He would rise from the dead.
Amid their sorrow and confusion, the angel spoke, saying: “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said…” This event, wrought by God’s dynamite-power, Jesus’ resurrection, is the foundation of our Christian faith — and archaeological proofs continue validating biblical truths.
I recently watched a video about the Shroud of Turen. Dr. Jeremiah Johnston specializes in resurrection studies, especially about the Shroud, and provides inspiring informational videos online.
Jesus never condemned or shamed Mary for her questions or doubt. Instead, Jesus’ compassion met Mary where she was, wondering and sorrowful.
Scripture teaches that no one seeks God — that no one comes to Him unless the Holy Spirit draws the person first. Throughout the Bible, God is always the initiator.
Christianity is unique for there is no other world religion that rests on such a powerful demonstration. And, after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to many for 40 days.
When He ascended, He said He will return. We continue to say, “Come Lord Jesus, come”.
Jesus laid down His life for us. He chose the cross.
He chose to die because our sin separates us from God. He lives as our eternal High Priest making intercession on our behalf.
And we declare, “He is risen! He is Risen indeed!”
Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
