Easter Mornings Are Still Earthshaking

Needless to say, March Madness is an earthshaking tradition in the American sports world, especially among college basketball fans.  The 2018 edition has offered no shortage of upsets. Most notably this year, the #1-seeded Virginia Cavaliers were dismantled by the University of Maryland-Baltimore Campus. 

Abby and I have enjoyed this year’s March Madness in spite of the fact that Villanova, in a hard-fought effort, edged out our WVU Mountaineers in their battle for the Elite Eight.  Then, last night, Villanova ended the valiant effort of the Michigan Wolverines, our second-favorite team, in their pursuit of the national championship.

"He is not here. He has risen..." Mt. 28: 6

But, exciting as the NCAA basketball tournament was, I have been impressed this year more than ever by another earthshaking historical event—one that continues to shake our world; namely, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Just as the news in March has been filled with stories of March Madness, so the nation of Israel was set on edge two-thousand years ago when Jesus Christ died and rose again.  What’s more, Christ’s miraculous death and resurrection made headlines because of accompanying religious, political, geological, and astronomical events.

The events of that first Easter are recorded in the New Testament Scriptures by four different gospel writers—Matthew (once a despised tax collector for the Romans), Mark (who may have witnessed Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane), Luke (a physician), and John (formerly a fisherman).  Jesus had left no doubt in the minds of the Jewish leaders that His aim was to present Himself as God’s Messiah--i.e. Almighty God incarnated in human flesh.  He authenticated His deity by His exceptional teaching and by His miracles which reinforced His teaching of God’s truth and brought human healing—e.g. healing the physically blind while bringing the light of truth to the spiritually blind.

On the first day of Holy Week known as Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey.  Scholars estimate that over 3,000,000 people were in Jerusalem at this time, including many who had traveled from other parts of the Middle East to celebrate the Jewish Passover.  What’s more, all of Jerusalem and the surrounding country were on a “news alert.”    Only a few days earlier, Jesus had performed His most earthshaking miracle to date—commanding his friend Lazarus to rise and come forth from a tomb where his body had been dead and decaying for four days (John 11).  Since then, crowds had been gathering to get a glimpse of two celebrities, Jesus the healer and Lazarus the man who had come back from the dead.

The raising of Lazarus from the grave and the triumphal entry of Jesus were just the first of several events that shook the Holy City of Jerusalem on what would become the first Easter.  Each of these events would have made “headlines” then as they would have in today's world.  Below, with accompanying Scripture references, are a few of the major headlines as they might have appeared if the events surrounding the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus had occurred during a modern week leading toward Good Friday and Easter:

Palm Sunday Edition:
Crowds Greet the ‘Son of David’ and Cry ‘Save Now’ from Roman Rule  – Matthew 21: 1-11; Mark 11: 1-11; Luke 19: 29-44; John 12: 12-19

Friday Edition:
Morning – PILATE, the Roman Governor’s, Verdict: “I Find No Fault in This Man” -- Luke 23: 4; John 19: 4

Afternoon – Entire Region Shrouded in Darkness—Noon Until Three O’Clock -- Matthew 27: 45; Mark 15: 33; Luke 23: 44-45

Afternoon – JESUS: “It Is Finished”—Veil in Temple Torn in Two from Top to Bottom -- Matthew 27: 50; Mark 15: 37; Luke 23:46; John 19: 30

Afternoon – EARTHQUAKE!  Rocks Split and Many Tombs Opened -- Matthew 27: 51-53

Resurrection Sunday Edition: 
EARTHQUAKE and Radiant Angelic Being Opens Garden Tomb: Guards Paralyzed in Fear!
     -- Matthew 28: 1-4; Mark 16: 1-4; Luke 24: 1-2; John 20:1

Garden Tomb Found Empty! Terrified Followers Now Emboldened After Seeing Jesus
     -- Matthew 28: 5-20; Mark 16: 5-19; Luke 24: 3-53; John 20-21

"Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the
things which have happened here in these days?" Luke 24:19

The events that we have highlighted above as news headlines were clearly evident to a majority of people throughout the region of Jerusalem on that first Holy Week.  Amazingly, the “braking news” of the sudden darkness, earthquake and splitting of rocks, the opening of tombs, and ultimately the missing body of Jesus all became breaking news without the benefit of newspapers and internet (Luke 24: 18). The political, geological, and astronomical immensity of these events make a strong case for the historicity and reality of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Christianity is unique among all religious faiths because it is founded upon the reality of the empty tomb and the Risen Christ (e.g. read 1 Corinthians 15).

Yet there is another factor of great importance to the Christian faith. In addition to the strong case for the historical events surrounding Christ's death and Resurrection, there is the reality that each believer experiences at the time when he or she personally recognizes through the work of God's Holy Spirit their sin and their need of a Savior.  Personal pride is replaced with brokenness and we experience the joy of forgiveness as we turn toward the loving face of Christ Who forgives us and makes us a new creation (2 Corinthians 5: 17). The Risen Christ becomes our Brother Who walks with us each day through His Holy Spirit (Romans 8).  The power of God displayed on that first Easter becomes evident when each person is transformed into a New Creature in Christ through faith (Romans 10: 8-17).

For Christ-followers, the reality of the Resurrection is renewed each week  as we gather on the first day  to worship the Risen Savior and encourage one another in our faith (Hebrews 10: 23-25).  Regular practice of the spiritual disciplines of prayer, reading of Scripture , worshiping together, and witnessing what Christ does in our lives--all of these are pleasing to God Who in turn strengthens our faith and grants us hope in our triumphs and trials as we await the return of Christ.

The fresh reality of the resurrected Christ was evident to me at our Sunrise Service this Sunday as we met at the three crosses erected on a hill near our church.  Together our faith was renewed as we reread the biblical account Jesus’ resurrection and sang several hymns of our faith.  But then, we were reminded that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is still at work to transform lives.  We listened to the testimony of one of our brothers in Christ, Darrell Ketler, whom God marvelously raised from spiritual death and defeat to make him a new creature in Christ.  With his permission, I will close by sharing a link to the video recording of Darrell’s testimony of God’s work in His life. 

How About You? 

Have you ever taken time to consider the account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?  Do you realize how well documented it is?  God now asks each of us the question, “What will you do with this man called Jesus?”  Like I once was, you may still be confused about Who God is and what He expects of you.  God knows just what you are thinking right now.  May I invite you to examine further the claims of the “Good News” or “the Gospel?”  Let me share a short presentation of the Gospel summarized in an outline from the Billy Graham Association called “Steps to Peace with God.” The outline explains God’s love, our predicament (sin and separation from God), what Jesus has done to address our predicament, and what you can do by faith to receive God’s righteousness (right standing with a Holy God).  If you have additional questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you.  Just post a “Comment” below or e-mail me at silviusj@cedarville.edu     

God's Not Fixin', He's Transformin'

In the 1960’s, rapid societal transformations, assassinations, race riots, and other factors caused many people to ask, “Is God Dead?”  Some answered, “Yes.”  Others reacted defensively in ways that showed little Christian gentleness toward their neighbor and little reverence for God.  Still others did nothing to defend their faith, nor did they encourage those who were seeking meaning and purpose in life.  Meanwhile, on April 15, 1965, the song by Jackie DeShannon, "What the World Needs Now Is Love," was released with music composed by Burt Bacharach.  The lyrics by Hal David resembled the message of many in the 1960’s who perhaps could not voice their need as well:

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of…

As time passed, what some called the "moral majority" was replaced by a "secular majority."  Today, America appears to be moving toward an "immoral" or "agnostic/atheistic majority." More and more Americans support the removal of prayer and all vestiges of God and Jesus Christ from our schools, colleges, and communities.  After all, why pray to a God Who either doesn’t care or doesn’t even exist?  Or why turn to a God that would allow so many to experience personal and environmental tragedies?

This morning, following the tragic attack on the social services center in San Bernardino, CA, the NY Daily News used its front cover to mock presidential candidates who encouraged Americans to pray for loved ones of those killed or injured by the attackers.  The headline, “God Isn’t Fixing This,” allows that God may still be alive, but implies He should be blamed for “not fixing the problem.”  I suggest that another headline might be more appropriate—“Americans Are Not Listening to God.”

Many Christians have been quick to point fingers at those we deem responsible for the moral decline in America.   Our standard lines have been much like the ones I used above-- lines like: “Well what do you expect? They’ve taken God and prayer out of our schools.”  Christians also point to the courts of our land which have disregarded the sanctity of human life and the institution of marriage as defined in the Bible.  Throw in our access to social media, and some, including this writer at times, can be anything but “gentle and reverent” when we enter into “discussions” about political and social issues.  Pointing our fingers or trying to win arguments may give our conscience a sense of relief, but it does little to solve the problems.  Nor does it encourage those who wonder if God exists, and if so, what their responsibility is toward Him.

Lately, I have been thinking much about my own spiritual life, my values and priorities, and my responsibilities toward my wife, family, neighbor, church, and community.   Some of this thinking has been reflected in Oikonimia and is included in the following blog articles:

Individual Accountability and Spiritual Awakening
Local Churches and Spiritual Awakening
Christianity Shines in Dark Places
Do You Reckon God Is Real?
Learning How to Respect and Exercise Authority
How Do You P-R-A-Y This Thanksgiving?

Besides thinking and writing, I have been “listening” to what God is saying in His Word.  Rather than be surprised to read a headline like “God Isn’t Fixing This” or condemning those who think it is true, I’ve been learning more about how God has already done His part to “fix it.”  The Apostle John tells us how much God has done, sending His only Son to do more than “fix it.”  Jesus came so that anyone, by faith in His death, burial, and resurrection, could have the gift of new Life—to be “born again” as  a“new creature” so that the old passes away, and all things are new in us (John 3; 2 Corinthians 5: 17). 

As God’s children, we have the privilege of daily communion with our Heavenly Father, and the fellowship of His Holy Spirit to walk along side us as our Helper (John 14: 26).  If we are reborn spiritually and walking in communion with God, His Spirit speaks to our souls,“Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4: 6).  And in response to the Spirit within us, we join Him in exclaiming with warm, endearing affection and worship, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8: 15).  In this loving resonance between the Father God and His child, love, faith, and eternal hope are affirmed.

Having God’s nearness to us; yes, even His presence within our hearts ought to encourage us to praise and thank Him for not only “fixing us,” but transforming us.  We are, or can, by faith (see Romans 10: 8-11), be new creatures in Christ.  We can have a new internal disposition toward our neighbor and the world around us.   Living such transformed lives anytime, especially during this season of Advent and Christmas ought to be such that Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:14-15 describe what God can do through us:

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness,
you are blessed.
And do not fear their intimidation,
and do not be troubled,
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts,
always being ready to give an answer
to everyone who asks you to give an account
for the hope that is in you,
yet with gentleness and reverence…

God is not dead.  Nor is He hard of hearing.  He has done His part to “fix it” and then some!  Now it’s our turn as God’s children by faith, and as members of God’s Church, the “body of Christ,” to live so that Peter’s command applies to us--being ready to suffer fearlessly when God’s righteousness is offensive; and yet, being ready to answer others who ask why we are hopeful when so many people are hopeless, yet with “gentleness and reverence.”

But how can we give an answer for the hope that is within us in a culture that is increasingly dark, defensive, and even dangerous as many fellow Christians can testify if they haven’t been martyred already?  I like the example provided in Acts 17 by the Apostle Paul when he addressed the Greek philosophers and teachers of his day.  When Paul observed stone statues in Athens erected in honor of many different Greek gods but not to the God of Christianity, He chose not to insult them.  Instead, he acknowledged that they were very religious because they worshipped many gods in hopes of appeasing all the gods that exist.  But Paul then said to them while pointing to the statue erected “'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD:'

The Apostle Paul introduces Greeks to the "Unknown God"

Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.  The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands;  nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;  for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, “For we also are His children.” Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.  Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead (Acts 17: 23-31).

In response to this oration from Paul, some began to sneer, but others said, "We shall hear you again concerning this (Acts 17: 32)." Later, Paul’s epistles to the churches referenced many among the Greeks who had put their faith in God and had become leaders in the movement that would soon  sweep across the Roman Empire and northern Europe, and lay the foundation for the positive influence of Christianity in the Western Hemisphere.  

If God could “turn the world upside down” through the lives of the few followers of Christ in the first century, can he not bring revival to our whole troubled world?  Maybe it is already beginning.  Jesus has already given the call (Luke 9: 23):  If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

The world may ask, “Is God, ‘fixing this,’ or isn’t He?”  We who know Christ should ask, “Am I a faithful steward where God has placed me, or not?”

Comment if you please:  What do you find most difficult to bear in today’s world?  How have you found help through your faith?   What particular helps or suggestions can you offer to those of us who want to grow in faith and stewardship of time, material resources, and abilities?