Undisputed — Over Death - Monday
Today’s Verse
Luke 24:5b-6a
Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! (NIV)
March 22, 1992 will always be a day I remember. It was the Sunday I was ordained into vocational ministry by Southland’s elders at an evening service. That night, the minister I knew growing up, Wayne Smith, preached, as did my good friend Charles Lees. It’s hard to believe that this past March marked 33 years of ministry. That means I’ve had the privilege of participating in dozens of Easter services in some unique way. And they never get old as crowds of people pack in year after year to hear what is inarguably the most important day of celebration in the life of the Church. The resurrection of Jesus confirms that Jesus is who He claimed to be. Dr. John Stott said of Christianity, “The concept of resurrection lies at its heart; if you remove it, Christianity is destroyed.”
Some might say that so many people attend Easter services because it’s traditionally the thing you’re supposed to do. I prefer to believe that people are truly drawn to church on Easter Sunday because, deep inside, they long to know that what happened on Easter is true.
Jon Weece kicked off a new series Sunday called Undisputed—Jesus is the Reigning Champion. The series will focus on how Jesus’ resurrection demonstrated his authority, reign, and rule over everyone and everything. Jon’s assignment on Easter Sunday was to talk about Jesus’ victory over death, so we’re going to do something a little unprecedented with this week’s devos. We’re going to stay with the same key Bible verse each day, Luke 24:5-6. The verse quotes an angel speaking to some grieving women near Jesus' empty tomb. These words are some of the most important ever spoken. They are hopeful words, not sad words. As Jon said in his message, “This is a joyful proclamation!”
REFLECTION
The angel’s proclamation about Jesus can inform the way we live, and can also change the way we see death. Does the dread of death rob you of life? Let the hope of the resurrection cause you to be more joyful today!
