Drawing Near

A Pastoral Perspective on Biblical, Theological, & Cultural Issues | The Personal Website of James B. Law, Ph.D.

Thursday

21

April 2016

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Resurrection +

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Image-ResurrectionFollowing the invasion of Normandy in World War II, many historians chronicled the Allies progress through Europe as D-Day + (the number of days from June 6th 1944). For the Christ follower, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the most important weekend in the history of the world and in reality we are living our lives in a “Resurrection +” mode.

This post comes about a month removed from Resurrection Sunday, and I was reminded this morning of the promised power given to believers because the tomb is empty. This is a tremendous encouragement of hope as we navigate the challenges, demands, and sorrows of this world.

The Apostle Peter, who was grief stricken and numb after his denials of Jesus, knew the power of Christ to restore his broken world. Peter wrote in his first letter, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” (I Peter 1:3,4)

The New Testament holds out a strong connection between the power that raised Jesus from the grave with the spiritual life experienced through the new birth.  Believers are given power to live for Christ, and this power is the same that brought forth our Savior from the dead. In a real sense, the journey of grace called the Christian life is a “resurrection +” type of life. Our great Redeemer has not left us without resources, and he has pledged to be with us always. Greater is he that is in you believer, than he that is in the world. (I John 4:4)

The Apostle Paul finishes I Corinthians 15 with a profound word of encouragement. In this hefty chapter, Paul argues carefully for the historicity of the resurrection of Christ followed by the future resurrection hope of every believer. His closing words are priceless.  In short, we are to live our days in a “Resurrection +” expectation that hope and victory are ours through Christ. No matter what the future holds, his mercy and power are new every single moment. This is a welcomed word for the weary and a strong urging to keep running the race that ends at Jesus’ feet.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”   ~I Corinthians 15:57,58

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