Come Commemorate -- May 11, 2009

He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.
Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Matthew 28:6 NKJV

Today we must rejoice if we are Christians. It is upon the solid Rock of Jesus' resurrection we stand. Jesus is our Savior. If He was unable to defeat death then our hope is in vain. Paul wrote these words in 1 Corinthians 15:19-20: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

If Jesus did not rise from the dead in an immortal body then our hope is false. We are foolish beyond imagination. Yet, Christ did rise to demonstrate His power over death. Eyewitnesses documented the resurrection. Jesus appeared to over 500 people in the days before the ascension. The resurrection described in the Gospel text is the most rational way to view what happened on that first Sunday morning the women went to visit the tomb. All the other explanations fall apart under scrutiny.

So, let's rejoice! Not once a year but daily as we go through life with Jesus. We of all people have the most to commemorate. Jesus must be exalted. He must be lifted up so people will have an opportunity to decide for themselves what they will believe about Him. With hearts of gratitude and enthusiasm let us praise Him, as He is worthy.

Rejoicing in Gratitude,

Pastor Jason