The Story

The story of Jesus is indescribably unique and miraculous. There's no doubt about that. Even if you don't believe He is the Messiah, you have to know He was unique. His ministry was one of a kind. He loved like no other before or since. He was so much to so many and still is today, two thousand some odd years later. Noone will remember me or you in two thousand years. He is unique. Today I celebrate my favorite part of His story, the part that sets Him above and beyond all the rest. Without this part of the story His story is a lot like many other prophets and teachers and really great guys (well, throw in some miracles and such.) A couple of days ago we remembered His death, on a cross, where He died for no reason other than the fact that He loved us so much and He knew that was the only thing that could save us. It's a complex and difficult thing to get my mind around. How could some guy dying two thousand years ago save me? I honestly can't say. I just know He did. If I could answer that question I would be God and that is one thing I am completely certain of - I am not. But He isn't just "some guy". He is the Son of God. He is the King of Kings. He is my Shepherd. He is the Lover of my soul. He is my Redeemer. And He calls me friend.

So, back the story...Today I celebrate the day He blew the rock out of the way and rose from the dead!! I know it says the stone was rolled away, but ever since I saw this picture, I like to think He blew that sucker out of His way and maybe the angels picked it up and set it back in place. This part of the story is what sets Jesus apart. This part makes Him my Savior. Without His victory over death I would have no victory in my life and then again in my death. Victory is a huge part of my life now and I have my Jesus to thank for that.

Geoff and I just sat out on the patio this morning as the sun rose and read through the gospels the story of the Resurrection. I think this is my favorite part:

From Matthew, the Message: "The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. "Good morning!" he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. Jesus said, "You're holding on to me for dear life! Don't be frightened like that. Go tell my brothers that they are to go to Galilee, and that I'll meet them there."

That's how I want to live, "deep in wonder and full of joy" and holding on to Him for dear life. I also want to obey His command and not be frightened. And I want to always be where He will meet me.

I have always been enamored with the sunrise. The summer I was 15 I would ride my bike to the edge of town and watch it come up nearly everyday in the summer. It was a special time for me. I felt like God made the sun rise every day just for me. Today I know that's true. Every single day when the sun rises my Father is telling me of His unfailing love for me. Unfailing - key word here. That's what He's telling you, too. My prayer for anyone who reads this today is that you will be deep in wonder and full of joy today as you realize the incredible love the Father has for you, that you will hold on to Him for dear life and you will not be afraid. Today as I watched the sunrise I was reminded once again of Abba's unfailing love for me completely accomplished when His Son rose!!



HE IS RISEN!!