Jesus' resurrection
Day 27
by Gini Crawford, MSW
The Old Testament foretells the resurrection
The Old Testament has some golden nuggets on the resurrection in it. The Ukrainians are being given Bibles, as I write this day. These Scriptures are treasures because the people haven't forgotten how the Soviet Union tried to stamp out Christianity by branding Bibles as "anti-communist literature." I think we would all agree with the Ukrainians, the Bible is one of our most precious treasures because it leads us to the knowledge of Jesus and His resurrection, even in the Old Testament.
The book of Job is a true story of Job's life and tribulations. It probably took place around the time that Abraham lived. In the book, Job goes from feeling demoralized to an emotional high, thinking and talking about the resurrection of his dead body and seeing God (Job 19:18-27). I can relate, can you?
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold... Job 19:25-27 ESV®
Peter, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, quotes a passage written by King David, Psalm 16:8-11, in Acts chapter two. Peter was using the Old Testament part of the Bible (The New Testament hadn't been written yet) to inform the people that the prophecy of the resurrection by David had been fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
...this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. For David says concerning him, "I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence." Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Acts 2:23-32 ESV®
King David enjoyed great blessing and fellowship with God. He knew God wouldn't allow death and the grave to stop their relationship. So David wrote about his resurrection, that his flesh would dwell in hope and his soul wouldn't be abandoned to Hades or the grave. David's words ended up transcending his own understanding to prophesying about Jesus Christ's resurrection, that His body would not be abandoned to the grave but would rise from the dead. (Psalm 16:7-11).
King David, rejoiced because he knew God wanted him with Him in eternity, and not just his spirit but his flesh too. Because of Jesus' resurrection, death wouldn't hold David or us in a grave. Our flesh will dwell in hope and gladness with our loving God. Are you sure of your resurrection as David was? Does the hope of the resurrection make you rejoice? It does me.
Life Application
God's unrivalled act of love – the resurrection
Easter is my favorite holiday because it is the pinnacle of God's love story towards us – His death and resurrection. Jesus certainly shows us love through His actions – the resurrection being one of the most precious.
...Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. ...For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:34-39 ESV®
God's love for us conquered death by raising Jesus from the dead. Some movies and shows portray death as a character who people can reason with, pal around with or even destroy. Unfortunately, death is nothing you can reason with or get rid of. A group went hiking for fun not even thinking of anyone dying, when a girl slipped and grabbed a ledge. The group leader heroically grabbed the girl's hand which caused the leader to fall down the cliff to her death. The girl survived. Death in reality is always there, and Jesus knew we couldn't escape its grip, so His love conquered death to give us the gift of the resurrection.
God's Word brings to life Jesus' forty day journey on this earth in His resurrected body. Read Matthew 28; Luke 24; John 20 and 21. I know it's a lot of reading so skim if you need to. You will see in these passages how Jesus lovingly endured peoples' doubts, questions and even interrogations concerning the mystery and miracle of a new concept – the resurrection. Quickly explain your favorite part of Jesus' forty day journey.
Consider this: Knowing that your future is utterly secure because of Jesus' resurrection should change your perspective dramatically. Instead of living in a frightened or defeatist mode, trying desperately to protect yourself from hardships and suffering, you can live boldly by trusting Jesus. I think you would agree, you will never be in complete control of your life circumstances. I certainly desire to stop my roller coaster health problems but can't. But I do know from experience we can relax and trust in Jesus' control because He loves you and me. Do you feel loved because of His resurrection?
Reflect on Acts 2:23-32.