NO ORDINARY EVENT

Some years ago I stood in a beautiful Jerusalem garden looking into the empty cave that many people believe to be the site of the Resurrection. It was a moment of almost overwhelming power. I tried to imagine the emotions of the women who, so long ago, had gone to the tomb early in the morning of the first day of the week to care for the dead body of their dear friend. To their amazement, the tomb was also empty. The women were filled with both joy and terror. Nothing like this had ever happened before. Their Lord, their friend, the one who had been so cruelly crucified, Jesus of Nazareth, was alive.

In spite of the prophecies, no one really expected this. It was literally incredible. Yet this unprecedented event changed the world. Later that day, the other disciples would encounter the Risen Lord in a way that confirmed the story of the empty tomb. Christ was (and is) alive!

As one might expect, the Resurrection is no ordinary event. It is a mystery of staggering proportions. Yet a few things are clear. First, the Resurrection is not natural. It is a special gift of God, a sign of His love. And second, the Resurrection validates the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. In a way, the Resurrection is an echo of the Word that came from God when Jesus came out of the waters of baptism, “This is my Son, my Beloved, on him my favor rests”(Matthew 3:17).

So I leave with this Good News, all who are united with Christ by faith and by baptism share also in his Resurrection. Through faith in Christ, God invites each of us into His eternal love. Thanks be to God!

— Jim Noland

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist