* Article was published in the March edition of The Herald; a monthly publication of Green Hill Baptist Church.
“He is not here, for He is risen, just
as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.”
Matthew 28:6 (NASB)
No matter how many times I
ponder the story of the resurrection, I pause every time I read those words, “He is not here, for He is risen…”
Jesus, the One whom the disciples had committed their lives to and followed. Jesus,
the One for whom they were persecuted and ridiculed for believing in. This
Jesus had been crucified. His body had been placed in a borrowed tomb that was sealed
by order of Pilate to ensure no room for a conspiracy – including a
resurrection. Nevertheless, it was discovered on that first Easter morning,
that the stone had been rolled away and the body of Jesus was gone; it was not
removed, it was resurrected!
Of course, the phrase, “just as He said,” puts an exclamation
point on the entire story – including the life and ministry of Jesus, the
Messiah. Who, other than Jesus, has ever
said that they would die and rise again? Not only did He rise again on the third
day, but for 3.5 years He had prophesied that it was going to happen. “…for He is risen; just as He said.”
We are invited to see and
believe the evidence; “Come, see the
place where He was lying.” In other words, investigate this claim for
yourself. The evidence is undeniable. His power and presence are also
undeniable. You see, the resurrection not only reminds us of God’s power
available to us, but also, His presence with us. Thirteen verses later, we read
these words:
“Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the
Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and
lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (vv. 19-20)
Church, we are commanded to
go and reach the nations with the gospel. In reaching them, we are also
commanded to teach them what it means to live out the gospel. Notice the
two-fold promise that we are given along with our commission. We are promised
not only His power to complete the mission, but also His presence, which
accompanies us in the mission.
This assures me that I have everything I need to
live the life God has called me to live. This also assures me that ultimately,
even in the face of many challenges, I cannot fail. I believe this was (in
part) on the mind of Jesus when He said, “I
came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10b)
There is nothing greater than
living for Jesus and fulfilling the mission He has given to us. My prayer is
that we would continue to take serious what it means to be His church, and that
we would commit ourselves to the Great Commission. There is urgency in what we
are doing. There is no time to sit back and just enjoy the ride. Complacency
and apathy must be removed from the equation. There are millions who are lost;
many of them have never heard the name of Jesus.
Let’s embrace His power and
enjoy His presence. Let’s go! Happy Easter!
Serving Together,
Pastor Brett
