Matthew 28:6
The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, the one who was killed on the cross. But he is not here. He has risen from death, as he said he would...
Resurrection Sunday (aka Easter) has become a cultural phenomenon in our day and time. Somehow it’s become a major holiday. Christians and non-Christians alike celebrate. Retail outlets have sales, restaurants offer deals. Grocery stores stock their shelves with seasonal products and knickknacks for the kids. And the church is equally culpable. Even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic we’re trying to keep it relevant, upbeat...you know, keep it Easter. But you do realize that the resurrection is only half the promise of Christ, don’t you?
Each of the Gospels records an account of the resurrection. Now, while we celebrate his victory over death, hell and the grave, there is one constant that needs to be addressed. Nobody was there to greet him. No one came to the tomb to congratulate him for a job well done. And that’s because no one was ready.
Jesus told his disciples on several occasions that he was going to be killed and come back to life in three days. He explained to his followers the fate he had to suffer. But like many of us, they just didn’t get it. It wasn’t that they didn’t believe, they just couldn’t imagine how.
Being with Jesus for as long as they were, miracles had become routine. They were ready for miracles. Hearing Jesus preach with authority and knowledge prepared them for spiritual impartation and theological discourse and a very high level. They were ready for church. But the resurrection was something different altogether. And none of them were ready for that. Well maybe just one!
My mind goes to the thief on the cross that asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his Kingdom. Note the response of Christ (Luke 23:43). Then Jesus said to him, “I promise you today you will be with me in Paradise.” Now wait a minute. The thief requested Kingdom, because he recognized Jesus as a king. Jesus responded, Paradise, because he is also our Savior. Undoubtedly, this thief will have a place in the Kingdom, but the Kingdom is yet to come. In the meantime, and in between time, he joins the saints in a place called Paradise.
Now back to us. I don’t want to sound like I don’t like celebrations, or appreciate holidays. We need some relief right about now. But please let’s not mistake suits and ties, church dresses and Easter bonnets as a replacement for the true value of the full promise of Christ Jesus. Yes, we celebrate the fact that after being beaten all night long, nailed to a wooden cross, bleeding insulted, tormented and murdered, Jesus spent the next three days in a dark and gloomy tomb. And of course we revel in the fact that after those three days, Jesus got up with all power in his hands. And now he sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us, forgiving us and pleading on our behalf. But that’s only half the story. The other half is, Jesus is coming back. Just like he said he would.
People of God, the Spirit of Christ is getting us ready for that great day. We need to be preparing for Kingdom. Let’s not repeat the mistake the disciples made. They weren’t ready for resurrection, and they missed it. Thank God for his grace. But we can’t afford to miss Kingdom. But ready or not...Jesus is coming back again.
God Bless
