Thursday, May 4, 2023

The Blessing of Hands 2023

 

A Life Relived Anew!    

  50 Jesus shouted again with a loud voice and gave up His spirit. 51 Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs were also opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. 53 And they came out of the tombs after His resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.

                                                                                                        Matthew 27:50-53 (HCSB)

The passage above is clearly stated in the gospel account of St. Matthew. I need to say, from very early in my own life I have wondered about this passage. I’m probably not alone.

       Most of the Resurrection sermons I have heard come from Luke or Mark sometimes John for different reasons. But this passage alone has been at the back of my mind when it comes to the resurrection accounts. 

        Jesus’ resurrection brings about this amazing event of the sanctuary curtain splitting from top down to bottom during this earthquake and the miracle of the tombs of people coming open and then the bodies of saints who had fallen to sleep being raised from the dead and walking to Jerusalem! They had life again!

       Now, I am not sure what you make of that but I have wondered on many levels what these verses are telling me.

       The Resurrection of Jesus is the event of World History that cannot be ignored. The weight of the Christian Faith is on this event. If Jesus did not raise from the dead. Christians, we have a problem. As the Great Apostle Paul says, 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1 Corinthians 15:17-19

       This strange account of the dead coming back to life and being seen by many in the Holy City is sure evidence that the resurrection is an ongoing event. The event started with these people rising from the dead (not the walking dead) but they had a renewed life.  ‘We believe in Life Relived Anew!’

 This event is not finished because Christ himself came back from the dead and each and every person who is connected to Jesus (union with Christ) will without a shadow of a doubt, be raised from the dead.  The doctrine that says we are joined with Christ in his death are also joined with him in the resurrection of the body.  You may say, “Hey, I’m already alive! But you will experience the power of the resurrection at the time that you need it at that last day. 

      The great Apostle says that we are ‘most miserable” noting that our faith is not in the great story of a dead prophet and teacher but in a risen savior who proclaimed that He is God.  He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today and he has opened the great gates of heaven and brought us into the great family of God!  Hallelujah!

        God made it to be Not Enough for the earth to quake at the crucifixion.  God made it Not Enough for the veil of the Temple to be torn in two from top to bottom.  But He gave us the account of PEOPLE just like you and me, who had faith and trusted him that they came back from the dead and walked into the Holy City for everyone to see that the promises of God are real and true!  We are Not disappointed at the trials, tragedies, and temptations we witness but we are affirmed in the promises of God to no end.

     We are not miserable, ladies and gentlemen, we are exceptionally enthusiastic, overwhelmed with hope and filled up with joy!  Because Our Savior is alive and gives us ‘Life Relived Anew’!

         Just think, the resurrection gives us a second chance! Who would like a do over? Would you like to start new today? If you are walking with Christ, the opportunity is upon you today.  Each person who was raised from the dead that day got a Do Over! They came back alive and experienced life again.  We can say that when we served people caught in the circumstances of life are down in the dumps and sad. You know Jesus offers us ‘Life Relived Anew’? We are commissioned to offer the message of the Gospel to everyone we meet and say that you can ‘Live a renewed Life!  This is amazing! All you have to do is turn to the Gospel of Matthew like I have on many occasions and read:

 51 Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs were also opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised.   Now isn’t that good news?

      You have been blessed with the mission to go to where there is no hope and proclaimed that The One who has overcome all circumstances offers hope.  Are you in the middle of confusion?  Jesus offers peace. Are you downcast because of the world of deceit and anger? Jesus offers truth and blessed life.  We have been given the task to go to all and offer peace, hope, and joy for a renewed life for you.


I hope to see you at the Annual Care Giver Retreat!

    Why Mardi Gras? 

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