The dead heart that was thrust through with a spear began to beat again. The lungs that had breathed their last filled again with the fresh morning air. The broken lifeless body came to life.
This one glorious moment has changed everything for everyone, everywhere. Life and death would never be the same again. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead continues to send shock-waves around the world.
Maybe you think I'm overstating it. Jesus resurrection is important to Christians but is it really of any importance for the rest of the world? Yes, definitely yes, we live in a world shaped by that one glorious moment.
Let's imagine the world without Jesus rising from the dead:
In this resurrection free world we would have no hospitals and schools for all (regardless of ability or means to pay), no science labs, no human rights or no churches. Maybe that last one doesn't worry you too much. No churches, surely that would be an improvement to society. Don't churches hold people back from truly flourishing? The opinion of many academics is no, definitely not. Churches don't hold people back from flourishing if anything they have led the way in human flourishing.
The teaching of the risen Jesus in these communities of faith has led to the transformation of our world. And while we must recognise that there are things Christians need to hang our head in shame, there is much good that Christians have been at the forefront of:
Like:
Youth work: A high percentage of all youth work is done through churches and by Christians.
The abolition of Slavery
Prison reforms
Working hours and conditions for children
Human rights
Advancements in science, education, health, society
The fuel for this drive to do good in society comes from a belief in a risen Saviour. A dead man doesn't inspire selfless sacrificial work. Especially in the face of a world that thinks what you are proposing to do is madness. "You want to treat disabled children with respect!" "You think throwing baby girls away in the rubbish dump is a bad idea!"
These once 'crazy' notions flow from an empty tomb. They are the outworking of Jesus words and actions.
Jesus' compassion for the weak and disadvantaged is the blueprint for every action of compassion by his followers.
Without the resurrection, Jesus miracles would simple be temporary relief from a cruel world. But with the resurrection they become a window into his new creation where death and sadness will be no more.
Jesus' words of life and truth are the heartbeat that drives his followers on to speak and seek truth and justice.
Without the resurrection, Jesus words would just be hollow and his promises would be empty. But with the resurrection they become rock solid certainties we can build our lives on.
Jesus' promise of eternal life, frees us from focusing on ourselves so that we can sacrifice ourselves for others.
Without the resurrection, Jesus promise of eternal life would just be the babblings of a fool or the cruel saying of a deceiver. But with the resurrection they become the certain hope that carries us through our troubles and griefs because we know the best is yet to come.
Whether we believe it or not our world is shaped by the resurrection. We live in the afterglow of it's glory. Life has never been the same since that moment Jesus rose from the dead.
And death will never be the same again either. Jesus death and resurrection has defeated death.
It has driven the final nail into the coffin of our great enemy.
For those who bow before the risen Saviour death becomes the doorway into our greatest joy. Death has been stripped of it's power over us and we enter into the joy of our Lord.
For those who refuse to bow before the risen Saviour, judgement awaits. The one who rose from the dead is also the one who will judge the world. Maybe you don't see yourself as refusing to bow to Jesus. Indifferent is probably the word that would best describe how you feel. But a shrug of the shoulders is the same as an angry fist when refusing a gift.
The resurrection of Jesus is the dawn of a new day. That same heart that was pierced by a spear beats again and here's the wonder of it all- it beats for you. This is the beautiful vision that melts our hearts and draws us to the risen Jesus Christ.
Has Jesus resurrection changed your life and death?
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