November 17 - Alive!

Read: Matthew 28:1-10

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. (Matthew 28:6 ESV)

Jesus was raised from the dead after three days in the tomb. He had talked about it, predicted it, and then he did it! The authority of Jesus and declaration of his divinity was he resurrection. It is the linchpin of Christianity. Without Christ's resurrection there is no redemption. There is no second chance at a renewed life.

Jesus brought people back a few times during his ministry. Each time was a notable event, but his resurrection was altogether different. When Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb Lazarus was still just a man. He grew old, and eventually he died. The other people that Christ raised all would go on to carry out the natural course of their life. Jesus was different. Jesus didn't lie in a tomb for three days, become miraculously revived, and then go on to die an old man at a later date.

Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, is the inky one to ever be resurrected. His return to life was not temporary—it was permanent. He defeated death, and by his conquering resurrection he has called us into life eternal. He left death behind, and one day so will we.