Mark 16 and Matthew 28
November 22, 2014

There simply is no way to emphasize enough the importance of the events that take place in todays readings.  The entire Christian faith rests upon these two chapters.  They are the keystone upon which our faith is built, they are the fulcrum from which we derive power.  They provide direction and purpose to our lives, they instill hope and chase away fear.

We hear these verses each year at Easter, and perhaps we reference them occasionally throughout the year, but we should be committing them to heart and memory.

That Jesus died for our sins is a demonstration of love.  That He rose from the dead is a demonstration of power.   Had He remained dead, sin would have won.  That He rises from the dead means that sin no longer has a hold on us...for eternity.    A battle has been won that we are only marginally aware is being fought.   With our eternal destiny in the balance, we have emerged victorious because of the blood of Jesus Christ.

What now, for the Christian?   A life for a life.   Jesus has redeemed our lives, and has promised an inheritance beyond imagination.  In return, we share this good news with everyone we meet.  We testify, we baptize, we teach and assist others to become disciples.  It's more than an obligation, it's an act of love.   It's a privilege to be able to say "thank you" in a small way for all that Christ has done for us.

As we fast approach an American holiday designed to remind us to be thankful, let us all be thankful for the unselfish sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who once and for all conquered death and sin, and is now seated in victory at the right hand of the Father in heaven.

May His name, and His alone receive glory and honor, praise and adulation!


PR