What Single Truth? (Easter 2011)

In a cemetery in Hanover, Germany, is a grave on which were placed huge slabs of granite and marble cemented together and fastened with heavy steel clasps. It belongs to a woman who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Yet strangely, she directed in her will that her grave be made so secure that if there were a resurrection, it could not reach her. On the marker were inscribed: "This burial place must never be opened."

In time, a seed, covered over by the stones, began to grow. Slowly it pushed its way through the soil and out from beneath. As the trunk enlarged, the great slabs were gradually shifted so that the steel clasps were wrenched from their sockets. A tiny seed had become a tree that had pushed aside the massive stones.

The dynamic life force contained in that little seed is a faint reflection of the tremendous power of God's re-creative word that someday will call to life the bodies of all who are in their graves. He will also bring back every person drowned at sea, cremated, or destroyed in some other way. This is no problem to the One who created everything out of nothing when He spoke the universe into existence. Unbelief cannot deter the resurrection. But faith in the risen Christ opens the door to blessings that His rising guarantees -- a glorious new spiritual body and a home in heaven. In new bodies we will be reunited with saved loved ones to live with Jesus throughout all eternity. I can’t wait!

What is it that gives a widower courage as he stands beside a fresh grave? What is the ultimate hope of the cripple, the amputee, the abused, the burn victim? How can the parents of brain-damaged or physically disabled children keep from living their entire lives totally and completely depressed? Why would anyone who is blind, deaf or paralyzed be encouraged when they think of the life beyond? How can we see past the martyrdom of some helpless hostage or devoted missionary? Where do the thoughts of a young couple go when they finally recover from the grief of losing their baby? What single truth becomes their whole focus?

God, we celebrate Easter by thanking You that Your Son didn’t stay dead. Since You vindicated Jesus, by raising Him from the tomb, then whatever He said must be true for we know You wouldn’t raise a liar. Lord, what is the final answer to pain, mourning, senility, insanity, terminal diseases, sudden calamities, and fatal accidents? Father, what one thing can give us hope when life has crushed us? The resurrection. Yes, the power of the resurrection! In Christ’s name. Amen!

Blessings,

<>< John