Intro:There is no more important theme in the New Testament than the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is the answer to the ultimate question: “Who was Jesus Christ?” Jesus said the Father would prove who he was when he raised from the dead.
I have always found it odd that the Church celebrates this most important day just 1x a year. How often have you heard a sermon on the resurrection of Jesus in October or June? We have made a week for VBS, a week for missions, we have a day for mom, a day for dad, a day for veterans, a day for the unborn, a day for the persecuted church … and a day for the resurrection.
Oh yeah, did I mention that this was one of the most important events in all history? Did I mention this supersedes our ability to have babies and be called a mom or dad? Did I mention this supersedes our service to the military? Did I mention this is the reason for our missions conferences? Did I mention that this is the reason that our persecuted are willing to die? Did I mention this supersedes the abortion issue? Should I go on? I think you get the point?
All these things are important but not when compared to the most important event in the life of the Church. Not when compared to the greatest event in history.
Read: 1 Cor. 15:12-19
12 Now if Christ is preached, that he has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised. 14 If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith also is in vain. 15 Yes, we are found false witnesses of God, because we testified about God that he raised up Christ, whom he didn’t raise up, if it is so that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead aren’t raised, neither has Christ been raised. 17 If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. 18 Then they also who are fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable.
Think:
Context: When people die are they raised or do they stay in the ground? That is the question the Corinthians asked the apostle Paul. 1 Corinthians 15 is Paul’s answer Apparently some in the church were saying that there is no resurrection. So Paul says, if there is no resurrection:
1. Then Jesus Christ is not raised (v.13)
2. Our message of hope and life is worthless (v.14)
3. Our belief that Jesus Christ is the Savior is worthless (v.14)
4. We are liars about the hope we have (v.15)
5. We are still in our sins (v.17)
6. There is no hope for our loved ones that have already died (v.18)
7. We are fools that the world needs to pity (v.19)
Look over that list again. Think through the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It validates what He said. It validates what we say to others. It validates our trust in Jesus. It secures our hope for life after death. It makes life worth living. That is what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15.
So, how important is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead? It has implications on everything you believe … everything!
Do:
When is the last time to thought through your belief in the resurrection? When was the last time you reflected on how important that event is? Do not allow the one day we celebrate the resurrection at Church be your only reflection on this most important of events.
The key to resurrection power (something we will look at this week) is dying. You cannot raise what does not die first. Are you willing to die to yourself this day? Surrender to your resurrected Lord right now. Give Him your life. Die to your desires and will and ask Him to live His life through you. It will make all the difference.
DevoLink: Devotions to help you Link with God.
