Living the Resurrection!
Someone led me to a Christian book with the title, LIVING THE RESURRECTION. The book was written by the well-known writer and translator of the Message, Eugene H. Petersen.
Last Sunday our pastor of worship, Justin announced the theme for Resurrection Sunday evening service – Living the Resurrection! I sat up and realized that our Lord is speaking to me at this specific time on the Christian church calendar!
It is Easter – It is for the followers of Jesus the “focused” journey to the Cross of our Saviour, the “gazing” at Jesus on the Cross and the “tuned in” listening to our Redeemer’s words from the cross. I am caught up with the hymn written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748);
“When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.”
I am moved by the empty tomb. I remember visiting the garden tomb in Israel during 2008. I listened to the debate – some say it was definitely at the Holy “Sepulchre” and others say it was definitely here in the garden! For me, what matters is – The Tomb is Empty! I believe the Gospel of John telling about Mary Magdalene who was crying outside the tomb of Jesus when suddenly the news broke that would change the destiny of the “world” for ever. Mary broke that news – “I have seen the Lord!”
It is March 2013. I am gripped and confronted again with this message captured by the Hymn Writer, Edmond Louis Budry, (1854-1932)
“Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son,
Endless is the victory Thou o’er death has won;
Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
Kept the folded grave-clothes where Thy body lay.
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son,
Endless is the vic’try Thou o’er death hast won!”
Here is a quote from Eugene Petersen’s book on Living the Resurrection. It says this:
IF YOU CELEBRATE CHRIST’S RESURRECTION ONLY ONE DAY OF THE YEAR, YOU’RE MISSING SOMETHING BIG!”
Our Lord’s resurrection engaged the two on the Emmaus road where He broke bread with them, fearful disciples locked behind closed doors hearing the voice of the Master speaking peace to them, disciples having a breakfast which their Friend prepared for them and a Guide who told them to throw the nets on the other side for a big catch! And many more!
“Lord where are you “staying?” Come and see!”
May you have a blessed Easter where the Risen Lord is at the centre!
Love you lots,
Your pastor and friend,
Dennis Beeselaar
