Easter Day- Resurrection Day
Maybe the story is familiar, even too familiar. Maybe we think we know what it is all about. But why does the story of Jesus’ resurrection not amaze us every time?
We know the basic facts as presented in different ways in the four gospels. But we can miss the significance by focusing on the story.
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15. In verses 3-4 he writes, “I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures …”. He goes on to talk about the appearances which demonstrate this incredible event is historical fact.
It is of first importance. Why? One reason is that our faith is based on this ultimate miracle and we have salvation because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. But there is more.
Let’s change our focus and zoom out a little. Jesus is the first of many, Paul says (1 Corinthians 15:20). In fact all who are ‘in Christ’ have the same hope of resurrection. Not reincarnation. Not some shadowy spirit life form living on. But a recognisable body with flesh and bone like Jesus’ resurrection body - he ate breakfast to prove he was not a ghost!
If we zoom out some more we see that Jesus’ resurrection means reconciliation potentially for all people and even the whole creation: Colossians 1:20. The gospel is about restored friendship with God and therefore others and even the created universe, reversing all damage done by sinful humans.
Can it get even better? Yes, if we zoom out some more to see beyond time. The Cross and Resurrection mean that a new creation has started. God’s intention was not just that we could be forgiven and restored to what mankind was in the Garden of Eden, though that is wonderful. Resurrection means we are being prepared to fulfil all the potential that was in the Garden. The commission to Adam and Eve was to steward the earth, to extend the beautiful and fruitful garden to the whole creation. Hebrews 2:8 confirms that God is putting all things under the governance of redeemed humankind and though we do not yet see this we do see Jesus.
In Christ we see what God looks like (His character is love, 1 John 4:8) and we see what a perfect human looks like. God’s intention is that we all together become so like Jesus that together with all the saints we can “know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.” (Ephesians 3:18-9).
If God is infinite how can we be filled with His fulness? I do not know, but I am looking forward to finding out!
- Chris Horton