The power of the resurrection

As I was reading the 24th chapter of Luke to prepare my remarks for this column, I decided to change the order of the verses for emphasis. Beginning at the last half of verse 6 from the NLT, we read “remember what He told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man (a title Jesus used for himself) must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified.” This is In reference to the death of Christ that many Christians around the world are remembering today. This year the Jewish people are celebrating Passover, beginning at sundown tonight. This is a foreshadowing of the blood of Jesus delivering believers from death into life.

As we look ahead to Resurrection Sunday, the women found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb and they were deeply puzzled. Two men suddenly appeared to them clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified, as the men asked an important question, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?”

It seems to me that even at this special time of year, people are looking for Jesus among the dead. The power of His resurrection comes from the fact that not only was He alive on that Sunday morning, but He is very much alive today. In verse six, the men said, “He isn’t here. He is risen from the dead.” The women rushed back to tell the disciples and others what had happened, but the story sounded like nonsense to the men so they didn’t believe it.

There are many today who think that the message of Luke 24 is still nonsense. However, for those who believe, these scriptures bring into reality a powerful message of Christ’s redemption that is life-changing.

Today we do not merely look at historical events but rather to the ongoing effect of the Gospel transforming us daily in 2018. Perhaps today you need to search your heart to find if you fully believe in the power of the risen savior.

Ken Lawrence is the pastor at River of Life in Sandpoint. He can be reached at sandpointriver@gmail.com.