Able to Live Differently

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The women went into the tomb, and on the right side they saw a young man in a white robe sitting there. They were alarmed.  The man said, "Don't be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, who was nailed to a cross. God has raised him to life, and he isn't here. You can see the place where they put his body.  Now go and tell his disciples, and especially Peter, that he will go ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you."  When the women ran from the tomb, they were confused and shaking all over. They were too afraid to tell anyone what had happened.  Very early on the first day of the week, after Jesus had risen to life, he appeared to Mary Magdalene. Earlier he had forced seven demons out of her.  She left and told his friends, who were crying and mourning.  Even though they heard that Jesus was alive and that Mary had seen him, they would not believe it.  Later, Jesus appeared in another form to two disciples, as they were on their way out of the city.  But when these disciples told what had happened, the others would not believe.  Afterwards, Jesus appeared to his eleven disciples as they were eating. He scolded them because they were too stubborn to believe the ones who had seen him after he had been raised to life.  Then he told them: Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world.

Mark 16: 5 - 15

The initial reports that Jesus was alive were not believed, even though they came from “eye witnesses.” So, don’t think it strange when you tell someone about Jesus, who He is and what He did and they don’t believe you! It is not just the “report of the resurrection” that proves the Deity of Christ to a “lost and dying world.”

What they want to know is this: Does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ make a difference in the lives of those who follow Him? Are disciples of Jesus able to live life differently than they would have if Jesus had not gone to the Cross?

If Christianity is just a correct understanding of who God is and His attributes, how is that better than not understanding? It is like a man who learned a new language and knew all the words, pronunciations and even the grammatically correct usage of it, but never communicated with anyone else in that tongue. What good is it if you know all the Words of Scripture and every theological doctrine, but are not empowered by the Holy Spirit to live for Jesus?

If you believe in the Resurrection of Jesus, let the world know by what you do, more than by what you say! Better to be a not highly educated follower of Jesus who listens to and obeys the leading of the Holy Spirit, than a man who “knows it all” and yet refuses to obey the Lord!

“Lord Jesus, may I be today a follower who not only believes everything in the Bible about You, but also one that obeys your every Word! May Your Holy and Righteous Name be praised now and forever, Amen!”