And returning from
the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it
was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women
with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them
an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the
tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he
went home marveling at what had happened (Luke 24:9-12).
The women that so humbly loved and served the
Lord by seeking to care for His body returned from the tomb with an astonishing
report. They shared the words of the angels that met them at the empty tomb… “He
is not here, but has risen” (Luke 24:6). The Spirit inspired Luke to
record three different reactions to the report of Christ’s resurrection, and
each response is filled with encouraging truth for disciples in every age about
the resurrection that inspires us.
To some, the resurrection is impossible.
Even the apostles, who witnessed His miracles and heard His promise considered
the report of Christ’s resurrection to be an idle tale. For most, death is the
end of life, but God’s Word is very clear about the certainty of life after
physical death… “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and
after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Jesus gave His disciples a
clear prediction of His resurrection… “The Son of Man must suffer many
things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be
killed, and on the third day be raised” (Luke 9:22). The Holy Spirit
inspired Paul to encourage us with the promise that true believers will follow
Christ, and we all will die and be raised just like He was… “For as in
Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own
order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ” (1
Corinthians 15:22-23). True disciples see life and death differently than
others. We anticipate following our Lord and Savior through the door of death
that opens to a glorious resurrection and eternal life with Him in heaven.
To some, the resurrection is inviting. While
others stood still in unbelief, Peter was compelled by the report of the
resurrection to get up and run to the tomb. There he saw the evidence that
confirmed the women’s testimony. God’s grace was at work in Peter’s life,
stirring up his interest and giving him eyes to see what others could not. The
Holy Spirit inspired Isaiah to prophesy about this eye-opening grace… “In
that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and
darkness the eyes of the blind shall see” (Isaiah 29:18). God’s grace
has given all true disciples eyes to see Christ and His kingdom clearly, and
this is encouraging evidence that we are truly born again… “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one
is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). As we share
His gospel, we encounter those in whom God’s grace is at work, inviting them to
see and know the resurrected Christ.
To some, the resurrection is impressive.
Peter examined the evidence that confirmed the women’s’ report and he “went
home marveling at what had happened”. The Greek word for marveling
here means to admire or to hold in wonder. Have you ever beheld
something that was beyond your understanding, yet compelled your admiration and
wonder? That’s how we should behold the truth that God humbled Himself to death
and rose again that we might live… “And being found in human form, he
humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a
cross” (Philippians 2:8). One day, every living creature will be
overwhelmed with wonder and admiration, and all will be compelled to verbally
marvel at Jesus Christ the risen and reigning Lord… “At the name of Jesus
every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every
tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians
2:10-11). As our faith grows, the resurrection is more marvelous, and we
become a stronger reflection of the resurrected Savior that we love and serve.
As we grow up into Christ, we are empowered and prepared for our
transition to eternity by…
The Resurrection that Inspires Us.
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