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An Easter Morning View: A Story

An Easter Morning View: A Story

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“Greetings, you who are blessed.”  The female voice was lovely and soothing, but also insistent. 

Zara shifted amidst her restless sleep.  How does one sleep soundly the night before they are executed?  And especially on a lumpy cot in a smelly prison cell?

The voice spoke again … again in Arabic.  “Listen to me, Zara.  I have something to share with you.”  Zara’s mind engaged, and a lovely woman came into focus.  She was wearing a golden fitted dress with a blue sash that matched her striking blue eyes.  Her hair was long and brilliantly blonde.  She radiated a subtle glow – like sunshine reflecting off a lake.

The lovely woman repeated her first words, “Greetings, you who are blessed.”  She smiled warmly.

Zara realized she wasn’t awake.  Her prison room wasn’t visible.  Only the woman before her.  “Is this a dream?” Zara asked.

“In a manner of speaking,” came the reply.  “Except what you see in this dream is absolutely real.”

What was this?  Who was this?  Though understandably startled, remarkably Zara felt no fear.  “Who are you?” she finally asked.

“I am Auria.  I serve as a messenger for your God and mine.”  Auria smiled again.  “As I said, you are a blessed one.”

Tears welled up in Zara’s eyes.  “I realize I am blessed that I know the Way, the Truth and the Life.  I am so thankful for that … especially in this land where so many do not, and where those who do are hated.”  She shook her head sadly.  “I know I am blessed … even if it is costing me my life.  My earthly life,” she clarified.  More tears flowed.  “But it is not easy.”  Zara dropped her eyes.  When she finally spoke again, it was in a whisper.  “My own family has disowned me.”

Auria moved closer and placed her hand on Zara’s shoulder.  “I know.  Jesus knows too.  All of which is why you are one of the blessed ones.”  Auria kissed Zara’s head and gently stroked her hair. “Come with me.  I have something to show you.”

Zara sensed a subtle movement – a shift of her presence – though there was no sight, sound or feeling of the action.  It was brief, and then she felt herself “settling” again.

Slowly she became aware that she was looking into the darkness of night.  She shifted her focus repeatedly, trying to identify where she was and what she was looking at.  Auria was silent, so Zara was too.  Minute by minute, the darkness was retreating as the first hints of morning were being revealed.  Before her and below her she could just barely discern the features of a rocky hillside.

Then Zara caught sight of movement at the base of the hillside as the darkness receded.  She gasped quietly.  “What was that?” she whispered. 

“The Roman guard,” was Auria’s reply, her voice at normal volume. Zara’s head jerked around to look at her.  Auria smiled.   “Don’t worry.  They can’t hear us, though we can hear them.”  Proof of the fact came as a soldier shifted his stance, and his spear snicked against his armor.

Auria’s initial words set Zara’s mind racing.  Where would they be that they could observe Roman soldiers?  And not modern ones, but clearly ancient ones?  And then it hit Zara like a thunder bolt.  “The Roman guard!” Zara exclaimed, her voice still subdued.  “Are we where I think we are?

“Yes indeed.  We are looking at the outside of Jesus’ tomb.”

Zara was dumbfounded.  Her eyes were wide and her mouth hung open.  “How can this be?” she finally asked, incredulously.

Auria put her arm around Zara and laughed warmly.  “Did I not tell you that you were blessed?  And you should know that with the Lord, nothing is impossible.”

The angel continued, but there was now awe in her voice.  “In fact, there are countless others observing this morning with you.  They come from all over the world and all points of history.  But they have two things in common: they believe that Jesus their Savior rose from the dead … and they are experiencing tremendous personal hardship.  Just like you.”

Once again, Zara was stunned.  “How can this be?” she asked again.  But she quickly caught herself, shook her head and said, “I know, I know.” – then, speaking along with Auria, “With the Lord, nothing is impossible.”

Auria nodded in agreement.  “It’s incomprehensible to humans; it’s astounding even to angels. The Lord in his love provides this view to a few who already know the truth, but who could use some spiritual encouragement in times of great trial.”  Auria wrapped an arm around Zara again.  “Like you … and others like you who are also here, unseen.”

Zara’s eyes welled with tears.  “I’m incredibly grateful to be so blessed,” she whispered emotionally.

By this time, enough light filtered onto the scene before them that Zara could see four Roman soldiers standing attentively, spaced out evenly before a rounded piece of rock – the covering over the tomb where Jesus body lay. 

Auria filled the silence.  “Never in the history of the world has so much effort been taken to keep a dead body in place.  A Roman seal banning the movement of an already incredibly heavy rock, and a trained and diligent Roman guard barring anyone from even considering it.  At least, anyone human.”  Her voice took on a humorous lilt.  “But none of it will work.”

“Watch carefully now,” she instructed.  “Things are about to get very interesting!”

Just a moment later, a low rumbling sound began.  The Roman soldiers looked at one another in alarm and began to exclaim excitedly.  Zara didn’t recognize their words but intuitively understood what they were saying.  It was something to the effect of, “Oh no!  Earthquake!  Another earthquake!”

The rumbling intensified, and then actual waves could be seen rolling across the surface of the ground.  Loud booms and cracks could be heard as rocks split in the wrenching action.  The four soldiers were toppled like they had been struck down in battle.

Then came the explosion of glory! 

In an instant, two brilliantly beaming beings dressed in pure white stood over the men.  They appeared as suddenly and unexpectedly as a lightening bolt.  But unlike a bolt, their painfully bright flash didn’t disappear; it remained present, obvious, overwhelming, and incapacitating.  The entire area around the tomb entrance was lit with their glory, and everything was brighter than sunshine at midday.

The petrified guards on the ground covered their heads with their shields and curled into fetal positions … their visible shaking obvious even to Zara; their cries of terror filling the air.

One of the angels strode purposely to the tomb entrance, placed his hand alongside the large stone door, and flicked his wrist.  The massive obstruction careened violently out of its base, along the carved track (uphill!), bounced over the notch for storing the stone before use, and toppled onto the hillside with a loud crash – crushing the worthless Roman seal strapped over it. 

The soldiers cringed as one at the ear-splitting “detonation” of the door-of-rock collapsing onto more rock, and their writhing on the ground ceased.  It was panic overload; they had fainted from fear.

The angels moved into positions on each side of the tomb entrance, and dropped to their knees, their heads bowed; their brilliance now more subdued.  They began singing.  It was a gorgeous, heavenly song … a song of praise, the likes of which had never been heard on earth before. 

And then Jesus stepped into view in the opening!

Zara gasped with unbridled joy.  Her hands covered her mouth, and tears rolled down her cheeks.  He’s alive again!

Jesus paused for a moment there, just on the inside of the tomb.  Then he stooped a bit, crossed through the doorway, and rose to full height again – resplendent in a pure white gown.  At that instant, a beam of sunshine broke free from the clouds and illuminated his face.  He was smiling; his immense joy easily evident.  He had accomplished all he had come to accomplish.  His task was completed; his body alive again.

He raised his view, and his hands, heavenward – the nail marks in his wrists clear to see.  “Father, everything is now fully fulfilled!”  His fingers closed slowly and fiercely into two victorious fists.  (Though he spoke in ancient Aramaic, Zara miraculously understood every single word.)

She was overwhelmed with emotion.  She had never witnessed anything that had moved her so profoundly.  Everything she believed was revealed before her very own eyes!  And everything she was about to sacrifice … was for everything she had properly believed!

Jesus lowered his gaze and his hands a bit.  His fingers opened again as in supplication.  It seemed as if he was looking directly at Zara, (though she knew others were also watching).  Then he spoke again.  “You have a living Savior, therefore you have a living hope … no matter what you are enduring.”

Zara was overcome.  She began sobbing uncontrollably.  How astounding that Jesus would endure so very much to save her!  How astounding he would do all that for her … and also share all this with her!

Just that quickly Jesus was gone. 

The last thing the tearful woman saw was one angel moving over to sit on the collapsed door, while the other leaned against the hillside.  “They will move inside the tomb soon.  Visitors are on the way,” Auria informed her.

The angel wrapped her arm affectionately around Zara once again, and spoke softly, “Blessed are you who have seen.”  She paused.  “And, in Jesus’ words, ‘blessed also are those who have not seen yet still believe.’” (Jn. 20:29)

Auria tightened her embrace and smiled at the future martyr.  ‘“He is risen!’” is a rallying cry for all of God’s people of all time.  For all have their own struggles, and all need to know their Savior is alive.  His resurrection makes all of life’s difficulties easier.  Even the most horrific.”

The angel released Zara and pointed toward the tomb.  “One more thing while we are here,” Auria said.  “Look on the hillside.  What do you see in the morning light?”

“The hillside is carpeted with beautiful red flowers!”

“Yes.  The local people call the flowers Kalanits – also known as red poppies.  It’s springtime here, and they bloom everywhere in this region at this time of year.  The Kalanit is dearly loved here; it signifies life and peace.  Which seems appropriate, does it not?”

“Yes!  It does!” Zara replied exuberantly.  She wiped away the tears from her eyes with her palms, then soaked in the view.  An open and empty tomb … in a hillside covered with Kalanits.  “It’s all so beautiful and wonderful.”  The awe was evident in her voice.

Auria touched Zara’s shoulder softly.  “We must return,” she stated quietly.  Again, all went briefly dark as they repositioned.  Just that quickly, Zara was back on her prison cot – asleep yet aware. 

Auria was still near.  “I must say goodbye now.  But this is a temporary goodbye.  You will see me again tomorrow.  Much more importantly, you will see your resurrected Savior again tomorrow.” 

The angel was somber, but also cheerful.  She continued, “Your name is Zara, which means “Shining” or “Radiance.”  It is a fitting name for you already now.  It will be an even more fitting name for you tomorrow, for you will literally be “Shining” and “Radiant” by Jesus’ side.”

Tears of joy rolled down Zara’s cheeks.  “Thank you for all you have showed me and shared with me,” she said to the angel.  “It helps so much.”

“Thank the Lord.  And it was my pleasure.”  The angel faded from view, but her voice was heard one more time.  “You’ll find a special gift from me when you wake up.”

When the execution escort arrived to get Zara the next morning, they were astounded to see that she was smiling … and that she was holding a lovely Kalanit in her hand.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A few additional comments:

  • In this story, the events at the tomb on Easter morning are pictured a bit differently from an earlier Easter story I wrote and shared on this blog … “I Killed Him. But Not for Long.” The reality is we simply don’t know how it happened.  For example, how did the angels make their appearance to the soldiers?  And did the angels appear first, followed by the earthquake, or vice-versa?  Or were they actually simultaneous?  And how long before the soldiers fainted from fear?  Instantly?  Or did they linger a bit before being overcome?

  • A fascinating question is … did one angel materialize and terrify the guards or two? Similarly, did one angel or two appear to the women in the tomb?  Matthew and Mark speak of one appearing to the guards, and Mark of one speaking to the women in the tomb; Luke states that two were present with the women and spoke to them.  The simple explanation would seem to be that one angel is mentioned by some of the gospel writers because one angel rolled away the stone, and one angel spoke to the women.  Luke’s reference to the plural – “the men said to them” (Lk. 24:5) – simply implies that this was the message that both the angels were sent to share … even if only one spoke it. Another possibility is that the women arrived in two groups at slightly different times – with one group seeing one angel, and another group two.  Again, we can’t know exactly how things transpired. I chose to picture two angels arriving and present at the tomb throughout.

  • Many suggest that Jesus in his resurrected and spiritual body simply exited the tomb through the rock and was already gone when the angels arrived. They surmise that the angel/s rolled away the stone … NOT to let Jesus out, BUT to let others see in. This is certainly possible, and may even have been the case.  (Scripture doesn’t tell us.)   However, I have always loved the picture of Jesus walking out of the tomb opening on Easter morning alive … after being carried into it dead.  So that is how I portrayed it.

  • Kalanit poppies are a real thing, and they really do bloom in spring around Jerusalem. It is very possible … perhaps even likely … that there were some blooming near Jesus’ tomb on Easter morning.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

1 Peter 1:3-9
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

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To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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Better Days Are Coming

Better Days Are Coming

I grew up in Michigan.  After over 30 years away, I’m now living in Michigan again … and it’s clear that some things remain unchanged. 

Well do I remember seeing the first robins in the spring as a boy, and how happy they made me!  Winter was passing; summer was on the way!

On the heels of a fairly rough winter, I spotted my first robin on our lawn this past week.  And once again the familiar joy filled me.

I wasn’t the only one to notice.  Some at church brought it up as well.  “I saw a robin!” one said.  “I did too!” replied another.  They clearly felt the same happiness.  Better days are coming!

The presence of robins has often been the focus of poems. Emily Dickinson wrote:

The robin is the one
That interrupts the morn
With hurried, few, express reports
When March is scarcely on.

 The robin is the one
That overflows the noon
With her cherubic quantity,
An April but begun.

William Allingham wrote about robins’ presence in late fall after other birds have fled to warmer climes.  With slight modification, the first verse of his poem, Robin Redbreast, also applies to their presence in late winter or early spring before other birds have returned:

Good-bye, good-bye to [Winter!]
For [Winter’s] nearly done;
The garden smiling faintly,
Cool breezes in the sun;
Our Thrushes now are silent,
Our Swallows flown away, —
But Robin’s here, in coat of brown,
With ruddy breast-knot gay.
Robin, Robin Redbreast,
O Robin dear!
Robin singing sweetly
In the [beginning] of the year.

Many believe that robins migrate south just like other birds – only leaving later and returning earlier.  According to birders, that is partially accurate.  Some robins do indeed fly to warmer areas and some don’t. However, all robins become more mobile in the winter months.

Those who remain north gather in flocks of hundreds or even thousands of birds.  Those flocks become nomadic, constantly moving in search of food.  Normally their diet focuses on worms and insects.  But in the cold months they transition from consuming protein-rich invertebrates to eating vitamin-rich winter fruits and berries provided by junipers, hollies, crabapples, and hawthorns.

Which birds fly south and which stay – and why – is undetermined by experts.  Gender may play a role, with males more likely to remain than females in northern areas. The possible reason?  It offers an obvious territorial advantage to the typically territorial birds, allowing those males early access to the best breeding grounds after the snow melts.  But even the male robins that fly south tend to return several weeks sooner than the females to claim their “space.”

Regardless of whether the robins we notice in our yards have returned from the south or wintered locally, when we see them we know summer is on the way.  And that brings us joy!

Currently, we are in the church season of Lent, when we remember all the torment and anguish Jesus endured to make holy atonement for our transgression and to secure our salvation. The season tends to be sobering – a time of repentance and reflection.  It’s a good and necessary time, but it’s also a bit bitter – rather like winter.

But better days are coming!  Easter is on the way!

Jesus’ resurrection always predominates every church season … every Sunday … every single day … for Christians.  But the morning we celebrate Jesus walking out of his tomb is like no other morning.  Easter is rather like spring.  It’s a time of new life, profound joy, and certain hope.  Consequently, it’s a morning of celebration.

Friends, the robins returning don’t only reassure us that spring is on the way.  They also remind us that Easter is too!  And that is cause for great joy.

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior …” (Micah 7:7).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

1 Peter 3
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! 

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.  OR simply comment you want to follow and I can add you!

The Dead Stay Dead, Don’t They?

The Dead Stay Dead, Don’t They?

Growing up in rural Michigan, I was accustomed to seeing roadkill.  In fact, through the years I accidentally contributed to it.  The overgrown ditches along the roads, and the farm fields interspersed with occasional woodlots, produced plenty of critters to meet untimely deaths along the highways.  The most common casualties: opossums, raccoons, squirrels, and the dreaded malodorous skunks. 

In urban Tacoma where we lived for three decades, roadkill was much less common.  Though there was much more traffic, there were far fewer potential victims. 

Now that we live in central Michigan, we are once again surrounded by fields and woods.  Actually, more woods than fields.  Which means that animal corpses litter the freeways that cut through the forested country.  Unfortunately, many of the dead are a larger version of mammal than what I would see as a youth – deer. 

Now obviously, the collision that killed them wasn’t beneficial to the deer.  But neither was it beneficial to the vehicles that hit them!

Around here, this is cause for healthy concern.  And rightfully so!  In just the 9 months we have lived here, at least six people from the two congregations I serve have hit deer.  Each time, it meant thousands of dollars of repairs.  At least once, the deer totaled the vehicle. 

I did a quick online search, and found that in 2022, almost 60,000 vehicle-deer crashes occurred across Michigan.  Obviously, some areas of the state (like where we live) are more conducive to such incidents.  Which is why I have actually been advised by members to pay extra for zero deductible collision insurance since it is almost a given that sooner or later my wife or I will have an unexpected and undesired run-in with a deer around here.

This is certainly a significant reason that deer hunting tags are so readily available and reasonable in this state.  The herd keeps growing, creating an epidemic of deer-vehicle collisions.  Hunting is one of the most effective curbs of the population.  (To put this in perspective, well over a quarter-million deer were harvested in Michigan this last season!)  And it barely seems to have made a dent in the numbers.

In the eleven miles of freeway I travel between my congregations, I am comfortable stating that there is an average of at least one dead deer per mile lying alongside the road.  Now they aren’t along every mile, but some miles have multiple corpses.

Which actually is what sparked the idea for this post.  As I was driving to the Good Friday service at the more northern church I serve, I was once again noting all the deer bodies strewn along the shoulders.  Some of those animals are more recent casualties.  However, I realized that I had seen some of those dead deer already last fall before the snow fell and covered everything.

Those animals were dead in 2023, and they’re still dead!

And so it is with all mortal creatures.  When the body dies, physical life comes to an end.  Eventually death always wins.  And when death wraps its tentacles around something for the final time, it doesn’t let go.

The animals that lose their lives along the highways never find them again.  The bodies so reverently and ceremoniously laid to rest in the cemeteries never wake up.  The dead stay dead.  There is no exception to this rule. 

Except one. 

Observing all those deceased deer on Good Friday, the day that Jesus died and his dead body was laid in a tomb, was striking.  Those deer, like all other creatures that die, remain dead.  Jesus also actually died, but death’s horrific grasp could not hold the Son of God!

When the third morning arrived, Jesus threw off the shackles of death, and emerged from a condition no other person can break, and from a tomb no other corpse could exit.  But then, he wasn’t a corpse anymore.  He was the living, almighty, immortal, and victorious Lord of all, and the Savior of sinners.

And he still is!

Easter is such a joyful morning because the Lord who took on our iniquity and paid for it – horribly but wonderfully – is alive again.  His task is done; full forgiveness is won; salvation for sinners is secured. 

And once – just this once! – the Dead did not stay dead.  The One who was dead is now alive!

But Easter is also joyous for another reason.  The fact that Jesus did not stay dead means that you and I and all believers in Him won’t stay dead either!  Amazing, yes.  But true nonetheless! 

When Jesus returns on the Last Day, death’s bond will finally be fully broken … for all the dead!

The earth will yield the countless bodies deposited in it through the millennia.  The bodies of believers will be joined with their souls and welcomed into God’s presence forever; the bodies and souls of those who rejected the Savior banished from him.

The principle that the dead stay dead holds true.  At least, for everyone besides Jesus.  And at least, for everyone until Jesus returns.  But thanks be to Him, the Living One established a new principle.  Because Jesus did not stay dead, you and I won’t stay dead either. 

Amazing!  Astounding!  Wonderful!  And absolutely true!

The One who was dead is now alive … forever and ever!  And because he lives, we live too.  Not only now, and not only spiritually, but spiritually AND physically forever and ever with Him who defeated death!

How comforting and encouraging to know our future is not death … but life!  And all because of Jesus, our living Lord. 

Happy Easter, everyone!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

(Acts 2:22-24) – from Peter’s Pentecost sermon
“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.  This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 

But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 

(1 Corinthians 15:20-22, 54-56)
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.  For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.  But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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The Greatest Of All Time

The Greatest Of All Time

“Who’s the greatest of all time” is a question often asked and always debated.  It surfaces in every facet of our world.  And lists offering views on the greatest are easy enough to uncover. 

Consequently, as I pondered who might be referenced in a summary of the greatest people in history, I was confident that I would find multiple rankings.  What I wasn’t certain about was who would be on the lists, and especially who would be at the top of them.

While he wasn’t the first to compile a list, it seems that Michael H. Hart’s book, “The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History” took the exercise to another level.  Published in 1978 and revised in 1992, his work is still regularly referenced on this subject. 

‘“Unlike various other rankings at the time, Hart was not attempting to rank on “greatness” as a criterion, but rather whose actions most changed the course of human history.  … Founders and shapers of successful religions were among the most influential in Hart’s view, as these shaped many people’s lives quite strongly over a long period of time.”’ (Wikipedia).

Sure enough, the person occupying the number one spot on his list is a religious person … Muhammad.  He gets the nod because Hart regarded him as extremely successful.  Not only did he start a new religion, but he gained great power and oversaw significant military conquests which unified Arabia.

The next highest religious figures on Hart’s list are Jesus at number 3, and Gautama Buddha at 4.

Of course, there are other lists.  A more recent one (2013) was compiled by TIME Magazine via a “data-driven” process.  In their list of the 100 most significant people in history, “a quarter of [their selections] are philosophers or major religious figures.” (Steven Skiena and Charles B. Ward – TIME).  Their top figure was Jesus; Muhammad came in third.

In fact, on most such lists, Jesus is indeed listed as the most important person in history.  But his ranking comes from a secular perspective and acknowledges his “secular” and “spiritual” contributions to the societies of the world. 

Biography Online provides a nice summary of the rationale for listing Jesus first:  (Buddha placed 4th on their list, and Muhammad 7th.)

“Jesus Christ (c. 4 BC – c. AD 30) was a spiritual Teacher, who preached a gospel of faith, love and forgiveness.  His life and teachings led to the emergence of a new religion – Christianity, which became the dominant religious force in the western world.  The Christian religion reveres Jesus Christ as the Son of God.  Jesus is also an important prophet in Islam, and his teachings are widely admired by other religious traditions.” (Biography Online).

As expected, the various lists all vary a great deal – not only in the ranking of those on the lists, but even of those who make the lists.  However, there is one fundamental, overriding assumption regarding all of the individuals mentioned on all the compilations: they are just human.

And, of course, this is absolutely true.  Except for one individual on the lists – Jesus.  Yes, he was also completely human; but he wasn’t just human.  He was also completely God.  That sets Jesus apart from every other person listed.  It sets him apart from every other person who ever lived!

Every “greatest” list includes people from every aspect of life.  As already mentioned, religious figures hold prominent positions.  But political and military powerhouses are also featured.  As are scientists, chemists, biologists, inventors, philanthropists and philosophers.  The arts are represented too, with writers, painters, composers, musicians, and even singers making the cut.

But no matter the list or the ones who happen to be on a list, each of those individuals started life at a certain time, and were given life by the Lord Jesus.  Furthermore, every one of them made mistakes; they all were imperfect; they all sinned.  And most significantly, no matter their contributions to history or society, they all died and were done … even if their teachings or advances live on.

Jesus is on a totally different level.  He is the eternal God; he always was, and he always will be.  His birth on earth was just a continuation of his existence.  He never ever sinned – his holy life a perfect sacrifice for the sinners of all time.  (Including everyone else on the top 100 lists!)

Though he had boundless power, he excelled in and exemplified humility and love instead.  To the point that he, the almighty God, offered himself to be tortured by humans he had created … suffering and dying even for his tormentors (and for you and me!). 

And yes, as true Man he did die … willingly giving up his life in atonement.  But unlike all the other “greats,” death could not hold him; on Easter morning Jesus exited his tomb – his daunting task of redemption completed.  He lives on in victory, and he always will! 

No one else on any list did that.  No one else who ever lives will either.

Our sins are paid for!  Our salvation is secured!  Our hope is a certain hope!  Our lives are immeasurably better than we could have ever dreamed they could be.  We are loved by God himself!  

Jesus is the greatest of all time.  No one else even comes close!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Philippians 2:6-11
Christ Jesus, … being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Colossians 2:9, 13-15
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form … When you were dead in your sins …, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

John 20:30-31, 21:25
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. … Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

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I Killed Him.  But Not for Long!

I Killed Him.  But Not for Long!

I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t believe me.  In fact, anyone who does believe me will undoubtedly be regarded as a fool.  Nevertheless, what I’m about to share is absolutely true, and greater the fool who does not believe it … as unbelievable as my words may sound.

My name is Justus.  I’m a Roman centurion assigned to Governor Pilate’s detachment in Judea.  I happened to have the unfortunate fate of overseeing the killing of the Son of God.

I didn’t do it in battle or out of any animosity toward him.  I was just following orders.  (And, it seems, God’s plan.)

When Jesus was first brought to the governor, he was already badly beaten.  Clearly the temple guard had abused him before bringing him to Pilate.  I had a close-up view because it happened to be my day to personally guard Pilate, along with another centurion named Valerius.  (There are always two experienced soldiers flanking the governor, with extra legionnaires lounging out of sight nearby ready to respond should any threat show itself.)

My first impression of Jesus was striking.

I’ve seen many criminals and accused criminals in my day, and they are all the same.  They always protest their innocence.  Either arrogantly or fearfully – but always aggressively!  Jesus. however, didn’t say a word! 

The chief priests and Jewish leaders were vehemently accusing Jesus of subverting the people, and any number of other crimes.  They wanted Jesus dead.  (It’s hard for me to imagine spiritual leaders so set on taking someone’s life; it doesn’t seem godly to me.  Nevertheless, I heard it with my own ears.)

Meanwhile, Jesus calmly and regally stood before the man who could condemn him to death, silent and unflinching.  Which seemed to infuriate his enemies even more and foster the flinging of more charges. 

Governor Pilate was clearly astonished that Jesus would make no defense for himself – even when asked or demanded.  I was astonished too!  Clearly, this was no ordinary man.

When in Jerusalem, Pilate resided in Herod the Great’s palace on the western end of the upper city.  Of course, the governor was in town during the Passover Festival should any unexpected excitement arise. We initially met the crowd bringing Jesus on the pavement outside the palace.  (The people didn’t want to enter the palace and be “defiled” for the festival.) 

After hearing the Jewish leaders’ accusations, Pontius Pilate motioned for Valerius and myself to escort Jesus away from the throng.  Pilate wanted to withdrew from the clamor and speak with Jesus privately, so we climbed the steps into the Praetorium.

While attending the governor, we are trained to focus on the surroundings and protect from potential threats.  And we do that well.  But when in such close proximity to the man, it is impossible not to hear things.  Important things.  Life-changing things.

That momentous morning I overheard a number of remarkable things.

First, the governor’s wife sent an urgent message to him … actually interrupting the proceedings, which is unprecedented.  Her message was stunning.  “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”  At hearing this, Pilate’s eyes grew wide.  He was momentarily taken aback and hesitated to proceed.

But when he did, I heard another remarkable statement.  The governor asked Jesus if he was a king as the people claimed.  Jesus actually answered this question!  He acknowledged he was indeed a king, but said “My kingdom is not of this world.”  Again, Pilate’s world was rocked.  This was a ridiculous claim, but Jesus was absolutely sincere.  And he was clearly not unhinged.

“You are a king, then!” exclaimed Pilate.

Jesus answered, “The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

To which the frustrated and cynical governor replied, “What is truth?”

Jesus turned his gaze to me and said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”  Something stirred in me, and I knew in my soul it was true.

As for Pilate, remember that it was commonly believed by the Romans that the gods visited the earth in human form.  The governor wasn’t an overly religious man, but he was superstitious enough to not want to press his luck.  Once Jesus stated that his kingdom wasn’t in this world, the governor was determined to release him.

When he suggested this to the Jews, they demanded crucifixion.  In an attempt to appease their bloodlust, he reluctantly had Jesus flogged.

I was thankful that I was guarding the governor that morning and had to remain by his side.  I wanted no part of hurting Jesus, who was clearly guilty of nothing more than inflaming the jealousy of the Jewish spiritual leaders.  My comrades, however, took particular delight in torturing Jesus even beyond the flaying of his back and legs with the scourge.  Even from a distance, we could hear their boisterous revelry at Jesus’ expense. 

Pilate was clearly shaken.

When they finally brought the bleeding prisoner back to the hall, it was obvious they had been more brutal with him than most.  Jesus was a mess.  He was wearing a crown of thorns and a purple robe … the material thoroughly saturated with the blood from his wounds.  I’m a hardened soldier who has seen a lot, but my heart went out to him. 

Pilate led the blood-covered and stumbling Jesus out to the crowd, hoping now for the opportunity to release him.  But the people refused, screaming, “Crucify him!  Crucify him!”

Pilate replied that he found no basis for such a sentence.  That’s when the chief priests informed the governor that the reason they demanded capital punishment was because Jesus claimed to be the Son of God.

When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid.  It seemed to align with Jesus’ own words spoken to him a short time before.  Once more he retreated into the hall to question Jesus … asking him where he came from.  When Jesus refused to answer, Pilate said, “Do you refuse to speak to me?  Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”

Then I heard another one of those mind-blowing statements.  Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.  Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

Upon hearing this, Pilate was doubly determined to free Jesus.  However, the uproar from the nationals increased, and finally the governor had to acquiesce; he couldn’t afford to have a riot break out.  And especially with so many visitors in the city.  With halting voice, he sentenced Jesus to crucifixion.  The mob roared.

Pulling Valerius and myself close, the trembling Pilate ordered us to accompany Jesus to the crucifixion and oversee it.  “You have seen and heard.  Try to show him some compassion.  And may the gods have mercy on me.”

The crucifixion process for Jesus was unremarkable, other than that he didn’t fight or protest and beg as the nails were about to be driven through his body.  He passively endured them.  (Or at least, as passively as the excruciating pain they caused would allow.)  To not make any resistance, either verbally or physically, was definitely unusual. 

The events that occurred shortly thereafter were even more unusual.

After we had nailed him to the cross and raised him up, I heard something I have never heard from any crucified person before or since.  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  He was staring at me as he spoke.  I admit it; this rattled me.  Why did he keep looking at me like that?

Then another unprecedented event occurred.  At noon, the sun quite shining.  It didn’t just dim a bit, but darkened completely!  This lack of light didn’t occur only over Jerusalem, but over the entire land!  It was like midnight under a heavy cloud cover with no moonlight.  It was beyond eerie; it was downright terrifying! 

There was widespread panic in the city.  Many were certain the world was ending.  Wailing arose along with shouted prayers to Jahweh to have mercy and restore the light.  Clearly this was no eclipse; the utter blackness lasted three hours!

Regardless of the unprecedented events, Valerius and I had to hold our posts and continue to be diligent in monitoring our soldiers and the condemned.  Amazingly, even during that dark and unsettling time, the mocking and ridicule of Jesus continued … from his enemies, from some of my soldiers, and even from one of the men crucified with Jesus.  But the other condemned man rebuked him, and then made a remarkable request.  “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus’ reply was stunning.  “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

What?  How could Jesus say this?  How could he know the time of their death, and especially their destination afterward?  It could take days to die by crucifixion.  And no one really knew anything about the afterlife.  Yet Jesus seemed certain on both.  Who was this man?

But shortly afterward Jesus shouted out and died. That’s when things became really interesting!

In the darkness, a heavy rumble arose from the earth, and the ground began rolling and shaking.  Increasingly panicked cries rose from all around as people became more convinced that all was ending.  The cross holding Jesus’ mocker tilted askew, and the man cried out in pain as his body pulled against the nails. Jesus’ jeering opponents beneath him were toppled painfully to the ground.  Explosive cracks sounded in the vicinity as rock formations split.

A terrified Valerius grabbed my arm.  Gesturing toward Jesus, he exclaimed, “Surely this was a righteous man.”  To which I replied, “More than that.  Surely he was the Son of God!”

And just that quickly, the sun began to share its joyful rays again.  Shouts of praise rose from the relieved Jews nearby, and they began to assess the damage from the earthquake.

A spear point thrust into Jesus’ chest proved he was dead.  Our soldiers breaking the legs of the other two men brought hasty demises to them as well.  Our job was done.  But I couldn’t easily dismiss the fact that it seemed I had been instrumental in killing the Son of God.  As exhausted as I was from the events of the day, I struggled to sleep that night.

The next morning I was amazed to hear the Jewish leaders requested a Roman seal over Jesus’ tomb.  They were convinced some of Jesus’ followers would steal the body and claim he had risen back to life as he contended he would do during his life. 

I was even more amazed when orders came down from Pontius Pilate to do so.  I would have thought the governor would have been thoroughly fed up with these pushy people by that point.  But apparently he wanted to go the extra distance to appease them … undoubtedly hoping finally and fully.  Peace is a precious thing in volatile Palestine.

So a detachment of Roman guards was dispatched to the tomb.  The first group made the tomb secure by putting a Roman seal on the large stone covering the entrance.  For someone to break it meant death.  Then they assumed the first round of guard duty. 

The way we Romans handle this is through three-hour shifts of four soldiers each.  It’s actually a rather impressive and imposing sight.  Each soldier is responsible for six square feet of space. The fully armed guards don’t leave that space.  Nor are they even allowed to sit down or lean against anything while on duty.  

Normally centurions don’t pull guard duty.  However, to the surprise and delight of my soldiers, I assigned myself to the Sunday morning shift (the fourth watch of the night, often referred to the “cock-crowing vigil.”).  I have always been an early riser, and I was still struggling with all that had transpired in regard to Jesus.  I had been so involved in his final hours that I harbored an affinity to him.  I couldn’t explain it, but I felt drawn to be outside his tomb that morning.

The first hours of the watch were quiet; the Jews still observing their Sabbath day and night of rest.  A flurry of activity was expected at first light as another week in Jerusalem began, especially on the heels of the festival.

I was still contemplating Jesus … what I had heard him say, who he had been, and what I had done to him … when I noticed two brilliantly bright lights in the night sky.  They were moving – arcing down from the heavens and rapidly drawing closer.  The other guards spotted them too, gasping and brandishing their spears in defensive postures.  “What is that?” someone blurted out.

The lights continued to approach; they seemed fixed on our location.  The closer they came, the more blinding was their aura.  Before having to look away, I was able to distinguish two human-like figures dressed in white robes, bright as lightening.  But unlike a lightening flash, their brilliance never disappeared; it only increased in intensity.  They glided on the air in a standing posture, their arms by their sides.

Even with our eyes pressed shut and our arms crossed in front of our faces, we could still sense the area around us brightening … the inky black of early morning being driven away as with the brilliant light of a sunny summer day.  Only this light was purer and whiter than sunshine.  It was painful; piercing through closed eyelids and into our very flesh, seeming to expose all our inner ugliness.

We fell to the ground in abject terror, assuming fetal positions in the dirt with hands over our heads and shaking uncontrollably as the beings swooped over us.  Expecting to be struck dead, I heard stone grating against stone as the large carved door was rolled away from the tomb’s entrance.  Then for the second time in just days, a deep rumbling arose and the ground began pitching violently beneath us.  Another earthquake!

It was too much for us; the terror took us out of awareness. 

When I came to, my eyes happened to be focused on the open entrance to the tomb.  To my astonishment, I saw a living Jesus stepping out into the feeble light of dawn.  He lifted his face and raised his arms toward the sky; a joyous smile appearing.

I raised my head in wonder.  Jesus turned his gaze to me once again.  He stepped over to me, placed his warm hand tenderly on my forehead, (my helmet had rolled off in my collapse), and said, “Do not be afraid.  I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!” 

Tears of joy flowed down my cheeks.  Jesus smiled at me.  “Justice has been done, Justus.  Learn what this means.”  With that, he walked away into the early morning shadows, whistling happily.

As for me, I was determined to learn more about this Jesus.  What I already knew was that he was so much more than just a man.

One final note.  Some of the other guards fearfully reported what had happened to the chief priests.  (They were afraid to tell Pilate; he could execute them for failure to carry out their assigned duty.)  I didn’t go with them.  If I had, I would have told those power-hungry men that their efforts to take Jesus out had failed miserably.  He was alive again. 

Yes, I may have killed him.  But not for long!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I did not intend for this story to become quite so long.  However, as I began to reflect on all that Justus might have seen and heard, and which the Holy Spirit could have used to change him, I kept finding more that seemed necessary to include!  Despite the story’s length, I pray that it was an enjoyable and ultimately encouraging read.

I did take some liberties with the storyline regarding Justus, and embellished some of the events Scripture mentions in passing.  However, to the best of my ability, I accurately portrayed the Biblical account of Jesus’ trial, death and resurrection, as well as the Roman way of doing things.

As for the guards at the tomb, there is a difference of opinion on whether they were Roman guards or Jewish temple guards.  I concluded that they were probably Roman ones – not just for the purpose of this story, but for logical reasons.  The biggest ones being that Roman soldiers would probably be the ones to guard a Roman seal, and Jewish guards would probably have little reason to fear Governor Pilate’s retribution for falling asleep on duty.

Happy Easter!

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I Met the Risen Lord!

I Met the Risen Lord!

My name is Simon, son of John.  However, most of you know me by another name: the Apostle Peter.

And yes, it’s true!  I met the risen Lord Jesus!  Of course, I actually saw him multiple times.  The Gospel writers described many of the accounts, and Paul provided a partial list of Jesus’ appearances in 1 Corinthians 15.  I was blessed to be present at most of those occurrences.

But today I am finally going to share the details of Easter afternoon when Jesus appeared just to me.  Both Luke and Paul mention it, (Lk. 24:34, 1 Cor. 15:5), but never before have the specifics been passed along.  The details weren’t shared because they weren’t necessary to establish that Jesus truly was alive and seen by many.  But primarily they weren’t shared because they were intensely personal to me.

Let me begin by providing some background.

Some have called me impetuous, and I can’t deny it.  I’ve been known to blurt things out without always thinking things through.  Sometimes this leads to good comments on my part; sometimes not so good.

A positive example would be when Jesus asked who we, the disciples, thought he was and I replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of God” (Matthew 16:16).  Jesus said this was revealed to me by the Heavenly Father.  A negative example was recorded just a few verses later when I tried to tell Jesus that he would never … must never … be killed by his enemies.  Jesus indicated that these words were coming from Satan.  Not one of my better moments.

My comments are scattered throughout the Gospels; more by far than any other disciple.  Some of them I’m proud to claim; others I wish I could take back.  Always though I tended to make things interesting.  Sometimes my words actually led Jesus to share wonderful stories and truths that the Church will always treasure.

My impetuosity also resulted in landing me in some rather interesting predicaments.  Perhaps the most well-known was the time I climbed out of a boat in the middle of the storm-ravaged Galilean Sea and actually walked on top of the waves toward Jesus!  Unfortunately, that also happened to be the time I began to sink just moments later as doubts crept in.  Thankfully, Jesus intervened.

Jesus.  He always said the right thing; always did the right thing; always dealt with me (and with everyone!) in love.  He was so wise.  So strong.  So exceptional.

My love for him was anything but an impetuous emotion.  It was, and is, a deep-seated and abiding devotion.  He was the most remarkable individual I ever met.  But then, he was the Son of God!

Which is why the events leading up to his death troubled me so very much.  Or more specifically, my words and actions.  I bungled everything. 

When the Lord began washing our feet before the Passover Meal, I told him he would never wash my feet.  When he replied, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me,” I overcompensated and asked him to wash my hands and head as well.  Jesus made it clear that wasn’t necessary. (John 13:8-10).

Later, as Jesus was warning us that we, his own disciples, would abandon him that evening, I informed him I never would.  That’s when Jesus told me I would not only abandon him, but I would disown him three times before the rooster crowed twice.  And I insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” (Mark 14:29-31).  Yeah, we all know how that unfolded.  All four Gospels recorded my stupendous failure to back up my boast.

It wasn’t long after my rash and foolish words that Jesus asked James, John and myself to watch with him as he poured out his heart to his Heavenly Father in the Garden.  And we failed him – three times!  I failed him three times!

I actually tried to keep my word and fight for Jesus when the mob came to arrest him.  I was fully ready to lay down my life for my Lord, even swinging my sword at an overly aggressive individual and slicing off his ear.  But Jesus scolded me and ordered me to sheath my weapon.  Then he actually healed the wound!  I didn’t understand, and clearly I had disappointed Jesus yet again.

Later that evening in my fear, I denied him … exactly as he predicted I would.  And at that moment Jesus turned and looked at me, (Luke 22:61), and I remembered.  I’ll never forget my Lord’s expression.  It was a look of love, but also of profound sadness.  The shame and self-loathing overwhelmed me, and I ran outside and cried harder than I’ve ever cried in my entire life.

I share all of this to provide insight into my frame of mind at that time.  My grief at the death of Jesus was profound.  My Teacher, my Lord, and my best Friend had been tortured and crucified.  I couldn’t believe it had happened!  And it had happened so suddenly, and it seemed to make no sense!  All of this was a factor in my deep sorrow.  But it was compounded by my personal failures.  How could I have failed my Jesus so significantly?

I couldn’t shake my melancholy the entire weekend.

Then came the day I’ll never forget.  I, the rest of Jesus’ apostles and a number of his closest followers were closeted in a secret place.  We were certain that since Jesus was dead, his enemies would come after us as well. 

Early Sunday morning we were awoken by banging on the door.  As we staggered to our feet, those of us who had swords or weapons armed ourselves … convinced our hiding place had been found and determined not to be taken as meekly as Jesus had seemed to be.

But it wasn’t soldiers at the door; it was a group of excited women!  Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joanna, Salome and others we knew well.  They were all speaking at the same time, making their message largely incoherent.  We finally asked Mary Magdalene to speak for them all. 

She told us the most preposterous thing.  (At least, it seemed preposterous at the moment!)  She said they had gone to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body with burial spices.  On the way, they wondered how they would gain access, since the stone covering the opening to the tomb was large.  But when they arrived, the stone was rolled aside.  They were horrified, and wondered what they might find inside. 

Yet when they arrived at the entrance, they received another shock altogether!  Two angels were there, and they informed the women that Jesus was risen to life.  Then the angels instructed the women to tell us that Jesus was alive, just as he had promised.

To be frank, we did not believe the women; their words seemed like nonsense.  (Luke 24:11).  How could it be true?

But we did not doubt that some nasty human shenanigans might be at play.  Jesus had many powerful enemies who detested his teachings, his miracles, and especially his claims.  Or perhaps the women had gone to the wrong tomb?  John and I set off at a run to investigate.  But the women were right; Jesus body was no longer there!  Only the linens that had been wrapped around his body remained.  However, we certainly didn’t encounter any angels. 

John seemed to believe Jesus was really alive.  (John 20:8).  I, on the other hand, walked away from the empty tomb wondering what in the world had happened.  We reported what we had discovered to the rest of the disciples.  Everyone was perplexed.

We exhausted ourselves discussing the possibilities, and the ramifications of those possibilities.  The emotions in that confined space were raw.  Finally, I had to escape the tension.  I needed to be by myself; needed to reflect – needed to think … even if it meant taking the risk of being recognized.

The brothers understood and sent me off with a prayer and blessing.  I cautiously made my way to a special place.  A sacred place.  The Garden of Gethsemane.  It was here, in this peaceful park at the foot of the Mount of Olives, that Jesus often taught us and often prayed.

How awful that this was the place the traitor, Judas, brought the mob to arrest Jesus.  The wonderful memories of quiet times here with Jesus were trampled under by the sinister events of the Passover evening.  The previous joyful interactions were hacked to sorrowful and painful pieces by evil men; the former happiness forever hijacked by wickedness!

I meandered through the olive trees, memories flooding over me.  Eventually I found myself sitting at the very place where Jesus had poured out his heart to his Heavenly Father.  The place where he begged me to watch with him, and instead I watched the back of my eyelids while I slept.  I had failed Jesus … drastically, repeatedly, inexcusably.  The shame of it overwhelmed me; my freely flowing tears transitioned to racking sobs of grief – my downturned head held in my trembling hands.

Suddenly a body settled next to me and an arm was draped over my shuddering shoulders.  I hadn’t heard anyone approaching, yet here they were.

“Leave me alone!” I groaned.  “Can’t you see I need to be alone?”

“How very like you, Peter, to say the wrong thing,” the voice said.  Then, “No, you don’t need to be alone.  You need to be with me.”  The arm over my shoulder drew me closer.

I gasped.  I recognized that voice! That timbre! That gentleness and love! 

But it couldn’t be!  It was impossible!  I couldn’t bring myself to look at him.  Couldn’t bear the possibility of being wrong.  That’s when he placed his other hand on my knee.  His nail-pierced hand.

It was him!  It was Jesus!  It was truly Jesus, and he was really alive!  I swung my head toward him, still scarcely able to believe it was him.  That’s when he laughed.  The Lord laughed at me!  Not in meanness, but in joyful love. 

I threw my arms around him, the tears still streaming down my face.  But now they were tears of sublime joy.  Jesus warmly hugged me back.  Then he gently pushed me away so he could make eye contact.

“Why didn’t you believe the women, Peter?”

“Because it was impossible!”

Jesus smiled at me, his eyes twinkling.  “Oh really?  Here I am, Peter.  It seems the impossible is possible after all.  Did I not tell you that with God all things are possible?”

What could I say?

“Why didn’t you believe me?  I told you numerous times what would happen … what had to happen.  I explained that I would have to die, but that I would rise again.  You even tried to talk me out of it.  Remember?”  I looked away and nodded.  “Why didn’t you believe me?”

I was silent, but Jesus waited.  Finally, I replied in exasperation, “Because I didn’t want it to happen!  Because I wanted it to be nonsense!”  Did I really just say that to Jesus?  (Have I mentioned that I’m sometimes impetuous?)  I looked back to Jesus in alarm.

But Jesus just smiled again.  “Have I ever spoken nonsense, Peter?”

“No, but clearly I sometimes have an issue with that.”

Jesus chuckled affectionately, then grew serious again.  “I have another question for you, Simon.  Why were you crying?

I didn’t really want to answer this question either, but I had to.  Finally I replied quietly,  “Because I failed you, Lord.  I fell asleep on you.  I abandoned you.  I denied you.  Because my spirit was willing, but my flesh was weak.”  My voice broke with sorrow.  “Because what you warned me about was true, and what I boasted about was not.”

“It was all part of the Father’s plan, Peter.  People learn, not just from the good examples, but also from poor ones.  Sometimes they learn better from the poor ones.  Many of my followers will learn from your good examples … and from your not so good ones.  So take heart.  It was all for a reason.”

“I’d prefer if people didn’t hear about my poor examples.”

“I know.  But they must, and they will.”  Jesus smiled again.

“One more thing.  It’s an important one.  Take it to heart, and pass it along.  A person is not defined by what they have done, but by what I have done for them and in them.”

Then Jesus pulled me into another embrace.  As I leaned into him, he said, “I am alive, Peter.  All I came to accomplish is accomplished.  Tell the world.”

“I will, Lord.  I will!”  More tears.

“I know you will, Peter.  And you will do it well.  But first, be sure to apologize to the women for not believing them.”  How like the Lord – never failing to needle me!

Then he was gone.  But he wasn’t gone.  He would never ever be gone again, for he was alive!

So there they are, the unknown details of Jesus’ appearance to me.  I’m glad I shared them, even though it was yet another situation where I responded in a less than stellar manner. 

But this is not about me.  It’s about Jesus, my Lord and yours.  My Savior and yours.  And it shows his incredible love for me and for you.  As he forgave me, so he forgives you.  As he treated me, so he deals with you. Always!

In conclusion, I will state the obvious: Jesus is alive!  And as I wrote in my first book, so I write  again:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.  This inheritance is kept in heaven for you! (1 Peter 1:3-4).

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What if …?

What if …?

“What if …” are the perfect opening words to inquisitive and introspective queries.  Thousands of questions could begin with those words.

But the ultimate one would have to be … what if Jesus did not rise from the dead?

Paul L. Maier actually explores that scenario in his novel, “A Skeleton in God’s Closet.”  In the story, a team of archeologists discover a skeleton in Israel, and every scientific test points to the conclusion that the bones are Jesus’ bones.  (No, not another Jesus.  The Jesus of the Bible!)

Imagine the repercussions of such a finding for Christian people and the Christian Church!  The entire Bible is built on Christ, and the entire faith is predicated on Christ’s resurrection.  Not just on his crucifixion, but on his resurrection!

The Scriptures lay out the bleak scenario:

“If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.  More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. … And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.  If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 15:selected verses).

Here’s how Maier describes the Christian world in the wake of finding Jesus’ supposed bones:

“A country parson so choked up in his pulpit that he collapsed and died halfway through his sermon … Trappist monks who had taken a vow of silence now screaming their disillusionment … fall registration at seminaries and divinity schools down a catastrophic 85 percent as trend pundits promised they would close altogether, along with monasteries and convents … futurologists predicting the conversion of empty churches into restaurants or beer halls ….. suicides, mental and moral breakdowns, vastly increased crime, and the reduction of world Christianity to cult status” (Skeleton, page 174).  “Pastors are leaving the ministry, congregations are leaving their pastors, seminaries are closing down.  And the agnostics and the atheists are howling their ‘See?  We were right’ line’” (Skeleton, page 180).

In Maier’s story, the discovery not only eviscerates the Christian Church, but it sends catastrophic shock waves throughout the world.  Virtually everything was affected, even the stock market.  It’s quite a fascinating read, and frankly – gloomy as can be.  Imagine if evidence was discovered that Jesus never rose.  Imagine the ramifications of that.  Maier does, and it’s not a pretty picture.

At the risk of ruining your read, should you decide to do so, the protagonist uncovers a brilliant and elaborate hoax.  The bones weren’t Jesus’ bones after all.

But then, the Bible makes that abundantly clear from the start.  After raising the specter of a still-dead Jesus and what that would mean for Christians in 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul states this in the very next verse:  “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).

What if Jesus never rose back to life?  Thankfully that’s not a question we have to consider.  He is risen!  He is risen indeed!

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.

Summarizing the Incomprehensible

Summarizing the Incomprehensible

How does one put it into words?

God himself, existing in absolute glory and worshiped by throngs of angels, willingly left the wonders of heaven to dwell on a very unglorious earth.  That’s astounding enough.  But he didn’t come down just to live on earth, to hang out a while and teach us some important truths, and then quietly extricate himself again.  Jesus arrived here with the express purpose of dying here.  And not simply dying a quick death, but a slow, excruciatingly torturous one!

The Apostle Paul describes this wonder with these words:  “Christ Jesus, … being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8).

Why?  Why would Jesus do that? 

Well, first of all because he loved us that much.  And secondly, because the Lord realized that there was no other way sufficient atonement for our transgressions could be made, and no other way that sinners like us could transition into heaven one day.  Only his perfect sacrifice would suffice.

So Jesus entered our world to accomplish what only he could accomplish – the saving of sinners.  It was an act of boundless love, but it cost him dearly.  It was a price he was willing to pay.

Jesus’ birth led to his death; his death led to his resurrection; his resurrection led to his ascension, when he returned to his rightful home in heaven and resumed his proper seat on a throne of glory.

Paul continued his summary of Jesus’ life and death in Philippians with these words: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

The Apostle summarizes the incomprehensible quite well, doesn’t he?  Which set me to thinking; how would I summarize the events of “Holy Week” in a few words?  Here’s a few attempts:

The perfect example of love demonstrated by the Perfect Example of Love.

The greatest love story ever told.

The most significant week in the history of the world.

The culmination and focal point of the entire Bible.

The Gospel put into the profoundest action by the Lord himself.

A sacrifice too great to give, but given anyway.

Events beyond belief.  (But believe them anyway!)

No greater carnage; no greater blessing!

The Holy One became “unholy” so the unholy ones (you and me) could become holy.

The Lord experienced hell so we could experience heaven.

How the wrongs were made right again.  That is, the Second Adam (Jesus) undoes the damage of the first Adam.

An unpayable debt … paid in full.

Holy Week: an occupied cross and then an unoccupied tomb.

“It is finished!”

Clearly I’ve only scratched the surface; there is so much more that could be said.  How would you summarize the incomprehensible events of this week?  Please share.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.