I loved Pastor Alex’s approach to the gospel stories of Jesus’ resurrection. It is true that all eye witness accounts are seen from the viewer’s perspective. It does not mean that others are wrong but that each one saw what God wanted them to see so that all together we have a total picture of what happened and who was there.
I have always loved the story of Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus in the garden. It is deeply personal and shows the depth of her grief over the loss of her Lord. John 20:15-16 “ Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).” How is it that one minute Mary did not know Jesus, but after saying her name, she recognized him as Lord Jesus? Jesus tell us in John 10:4 “When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” Those that know Jesus as their Savior and Lord recognize His voice as promised. I find that very reassuring. Mary was lost and grieving and was still able to recognize her Savior’s voice! It will be that way for you and I too, guaranteed. Faith in Jesus is real and He meets us where we are, in real time!
Do you remember the scene in Raiders of the Lost Arc where Harrison Ford needs to step out in faith over a canyon? When he does, he finds there is a stone bridge that was not visible before, and it held him securely as he walked across. I think one would call that a leap of faith. Everyone wants everything to be assured, guaranteed, a sure bet- however faith is not like that. You need to step out in trust and make that leap and as you do all becomes clearer. You realize who Jesus is and how sinful you are. Once cleansed by Him, the penalty of sin is lifted from you and you are free. Once you take that step of faith it will lead to your transformation and you will be a new creature. Paul writes of this in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” You can be that new creation through faith in Jesus- it just takes 1 step towards Jesus and He will do the rest.
Knowing that Jesus is personal and will lead us when we step out in faith, why do so many resist? Are they too busy? Do they want to wait until later? Do they not want to give up the things that are absorbing them in their lives? It is hard to say, but one thing we know is that once you are dead it is too late. Until that time you have chance after change to walk with Jesus. I also don’t think people realize the benefit of faith in your life? I have an assurance of salvation, hope in the future, fellowship with God and Jesus through the indwelling Holy Spirit within me. But in addition to that, I have Jesus to walk beside me each and every day. He is greater than anything I will every face and He knows me inside and out. He loves me and died in my place so I could be reconciled to the Father.
Here are a few verses to ponder if you are still doubting and have not taken that leap of faith yet.
Acts 4:12 “ And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
1 John 1:9 “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
John 14:23 “Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39 “ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Join the family of God. It will be the best decision you’ll every make, it is the right response to Jesus.
Linda
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