The significance of the resurrection
In light of Easter, I would like to share what the resurrection means for us Christians. I hope that it would encourage and strengthen your faith. I'll reference Luke 24: 1 - 49 & 1 Corinthians 15:1
Resurrection - Significance
Jesus’ resurrection produces in us the hope of eternal and new life.
Luke 24: 7, “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”
And then cast your eye to Luke 24: 26, “Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”
Do you see a pattern in the life of Jesus? The pattern is death to life, suffering to glory. This pattern extends to us, his followers.
1 Corinthians 15: 20 – 22, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
Do you see what awaits the Christian? Certain death. There is a saying, “Nothing is certain except for death and taxes.” However, for us, life also awaits us. This is our pattern: death to life, suffering to glory. Don’t we have a wonderful and promising future ahead? Isn’t it a hopeful one?
And so we should shout “Where, o death is your victory?” Where, o death is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15: 55). You have been crushed by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died and rose again. So if we must boast today, let us boast about this.
But there is more good news. We are going to be raised brand new.
Think about the first time you received a brand new item, whatever it may be. And as you opened the box and saw it. What did it look like? It looked pristine, right? Maybe in your eyes, it was glowing. It was without defects. There wasn’t a scratch on it. IT LOOKED REALLY GOOD!
That is what we can look forward to. WE ARE GOING TO LOOK GOOD! Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15: 35ff, we will be imperishable. It means enduring forever. I like this synonym ‘indestructible’.
So if you are weak and frail, don’t worry, you have a resurrection coming.
If you have an incurable disease or a chronic illness that is tearing (ripping) your life to pieces, take comfort, you have a resurrection coming. If you have lost loved ones in Christ, take solace, you have a resurrection coming and you will be with them forever. My dear brothers and sisters, when you find yourself in the valley, in the pits of hell, don’t worry, take comfort, you have a resurrection coming. AMEN!
Do you see what Christ’s resurrection means for us, his followers? It means the hope of life beyond the grave.
But if you are not a Christian, I must stress, this hope does not apply to you. Sorry to say it, but it is the truth. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11: 25). If not, I urge you, dear friend, to kneel before the Risen Lord Jesus and say, I believe you are alive and I’m so sorry for thinking you were dead. If you do this, you will have immortality and a new life.
Not only does the resurrection produce future hope, but present purpose, and that is, witnessing.
Luke 24: 45 - 48;
“Then he opened their minds (referring to the disciples) so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”
The Lord wants his followers to be his witnesses. Witness to what? Jesus died for mankind’s sins, he lives and forgiveness of sins is available through him. Put differently; tell others what Jesus did for them and what is available through him (Luke 24: 46 – 47).
And brothers and sisters there is no one else. Jesus says, “You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24: 48). Not the Brahman, not the Imam, not the Dali Lama, not your cat, dog, plants or even science. No! There’s no one else but you.
So, are you a witnessing Christian or a silent one? We have seen and experienced much tragedy this week; let’s not add another one by leaving as silent Christians. So, may I ask you, in light of what Jesus said, to recalibrate your thinking. “You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24: 48)
But it is not easy to witness. There’s a fear of rejection, a fear of opposition and the most common one, fear of not knowing what to say. You might say, I want to share but I don’t know where to start. I want to acknowledge that these are some real concerns, and you may have more. But we don’t have to be crippled by them, especially the one about not knowing where to start or what to say.
So let me offer two suggestions to help in this regard:
1. Share your testimony.
You are a living breathing walking illustration of how Jesus worked in your life and how he’s changing you. SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY!
2. Share what you have learnt.
Whatever you learn from Sunday church to bible studies to one to ones, share it with others. Tell them I have a resurrection coming! Jesus took my curse and gave me a blessing, the forgiveness of sins.
But this will only begin once you see yourself as a witnessing Christians as opposed to a silent one. How you define yourself today, will determine how you live your life tomorrow.
