The Northwest Voice

     The idea that Jesus was raised from the dead is not an issue that we can sweep under the carpet. It’s inappropriate to dismiss the resurrection without a personal response. The bottom line is that we must respond in some way to the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ! Let’s look at two reactions that people had during that first Easter and observe what first century people thought about the news that Jesus rose from the dead.
     One reaction to the resurrection of Jesus could be described as critical. To see this for yourself, check out Luke 24. After Jesus was raised from the dead, there was a time when the Apostles were critical of that event. They were not critical like Simon Cowell, who, as a judge on American Idol, is known for being a put down artist or trash talker. The Apostles were critical in the sense of being skeptical. They were skeptical when they first heard that Jesus was raised from the dead. Notice how verses 10 and 11 bring this out: “Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. But these words appeared to them as nonsense and they would not believe them.” Because the Apostles thought that the Marys engaged in nonsensical talk, the Apostles would not believe in what the women had to say. The Apostles were critical of the message of these women.
     The words "would not believe" come from the Greek term “apist’-teo”. The imperfect tense indicates that the Apostles were in a state of constant disbelief. Thomas was so critical of Jesus’ resurrection that in John 20:25, he said: “Unless I see in his hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” If you make the same demand as Thomas, you’ll pay for it dearly. Don’t bargain with God. Come to Him today.
     Instead of being critical, when it comes to the resurrection of Jesus, we can be convinced. What does it take to convince you that something is true? I know people who put total stock in a forwarded email, but put no stock in the Bible. They will believe an entertainer who is a spokesman, over factual, well-researched and documented evidence.
     When the Apostles saw the resurrected Jesus, they were convinced. Their minds were made up that Jesus was really alive. As a result of being convinced that Jesus was no longer dead, they were ecstatic with joy. They were thrilled! They experienced a deep down sense of personal contentment. The middle of John 20:20 informs us that: “He showed them [i.e. Jesus showed the disciples] both his hands and his side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord.” Thomas finally became convinced that Jesus was alive. When Thomas saw the resurrected Jesus Christ, Thomas said in John 20:28: “Ha kurios moo kai hah theos moo” or “My Lord and my God!”
     You, too, can be convinced that Jesus is alive. It happens when you come to grips with the facts about Jesus, and when you take God at His word.
     Please join us at Bear Valley Church this Sunday morning as we worship the Lord. Our services are at 8:15 am, 9:45 am and 11:15 am. If you live outside of Bear Valley Springs, please call the office at (661) 821-0183 for a gate pass.