An Idle Tale

Scripture: But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. Luke 24:11

Observation: Christ has risen. The disciples have seen the empty tomb, spoken to the angels. They have come back to tell the good news to the rest of the group…but they do not believe. The resurrection seemed to them like an idle tale. Except for Peter, who rose and ran.

Application: It feels odd to read about the resurrection on Good Friday. But it puts this day in focus. Good Friday is only the middle of the story that Jesus said would happen to him(he would be delivered to sinful men, crucified, and risen). And as we look forward to Sunday, we know that for some, the resurrection is an idle tale. For others, they rise and run to the truth. I feel like God is reminding me that there will be different responses to the resurrection. But what people will run and rise to is not the promise of better life, stronger marriages, fuller finances. What people will rise and run to is the power of the resurrection. I need to keep that message in the forefront of my witnessing.

Prayer: God, your resurrection is everything. Thank you that you called me to rise and run to you. I pray you help me speak more of the reality of your resurrection to those I share your name with.

If I Could Say Only One Thing...

Scripture: Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. Revelation 1:17-19

Observation: How simple, yet how profoundly important are these words: “I died. I am alive forevermore.” It seems the death and resurrection of Jesus drives everything—from not fearing, to sharing what we have seen. If I could only say one thing about the gospel, maybe it would be this: He died. He rose again.

Application: I tend to focus on many side issues when I share the gospel. The power of forgiveness. The purpose God has for our lives. The belonging that only a community can provide. The hope of change. All these are good, but what seems central is this: He died. He rose.

Prayer: God, today, help me to move the death and resurrection central in my speech. The same truth that transformed scared disciples into bold lions should be my focus as well. Give me freedom from fear in talking about how You live forevermore.