BECAUSE HE LIVES!

          Throughout history there have been many who have died for noble causes. Many have been noted for their heroic deaths. There are some whose greatest accomplishment in life may have been marked by their death. By such we are encouraged, and our reflection honors their story. However, that was the end of what they could offer. Of all these notable heroes or heroines, there is One who stands far above all others; Jesus our Lord and Savior!

            When we consider Jesus facing the cross, are we struck by the heroic way in which He endured all He was put through? Do we marvel at how focused He was on others through it all? The cause for which our Lord gave His life was meant to meet humanity’s greatest need; to be delivered from the penalty of sin. For this we should be eternally thankful. We also rejoice in that His death was not the end of His marvelous work.

            As Jesus encouraged the disciples before His arrest and crucifixion, He stated. . .

            “(19) Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19 ESV)

            What a promise! What an assurance! What encouragement to help us keep on keeping on! Though the disciples struggled to understand what Jesus was saying, He was trying to tell them right then and there that His death on the cross was not the end. He would live! And because He lived they would live! And because He lives we also live! Jesus came to give us life in an abundant way! (John 10:10) Jesus came to make it possible for us to pass over from death to life! (John 5:24) And He came to provide the victory that removed the sting of death! (1 Corinthians 15:55-57) In Him we have life now and for eternity!

            So, how shall we live this life for now as we await even greater life to come? I was impressed with the following words from a poster: “Live as though Christ died yesterday, rose today, and is coming back tomorrow.” By living such we can show our thankfulness for our greatest need being met on the cross, we can celebrate the power Jesus brings to life, and press on in great anticipation of our eternity with Him!

            Have a great day LIVING BY HIS POWER FOR LIFE!
                        Carl