Article by Cove Campus Grow Pastor, Justin McGehee
As Easter is approaching, it is good for us to intentionally take time to reflect on the importance of Jesus’ resurrection. This is a season for us to reflect that the tomb is indeed empty, and Christ is risen.
This also sets the stage for us to be intentional about communicating its importance to those around us. It’s a sad reality that many of us err on the side of forgetfulness. Lists upon lists of all we have to accomplish each day can bring us to this place where we walk in a state of spiritual amnesia—where we, on a practical level, forget who God is, what He has done, and what He has promised. It’s good for us to regularly take time to reflect and remember on what God has accomplished.
During this season, I’m often reminded of the truths found in 1 Corinthians 15, a chapter devoted to the importance of the resurrection of Jesus. Paul begins the chapter by saying, “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain” (1 Cor. 15:1-2).
What is being communicated by Paul is a truth in which we stand and by which we are being saved. This truth is foundational. If we are looking for solid ground we need to stand on, this is it. What is this truth?
That Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. This was an actual historical event what was witnessed by many (1 Cor. 15:3-8). Paul then goes on to make some bold proclamations: “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (15:14), “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (15:17), and if Christ was not raised from the dead then Christians are to be pitied (15:19). When it comes to our faith as Christians, everything hangs on if Christ was risen.
Paul was confident in the reality of the resurrection, and we should be as well. There is ample evidence pointing to the empty tomb, and we can affirm with Paul “Death is swallowed up in victory. O’ death, where is your victory? O’ Death where is your sting?” (1 Cor. 15:54-55).
We have victory through Jesus Christ! Because of this truth, we can “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (15:58). We can be confident in the practical application of the gospel in our lives. We are able to walk with our Creator, and we are able to use the gifts He has given us to worship Him and serve others. Our whole-hearted worship of Jesus is not in vain. Giving our lives and our gifts to His purpose and plan is not in vain.
While this is a season where we can reorientate ourselves to the reality of the resurrection, it is also true that this not something we should only dwell on once a year.
The reality of the resurrection and what was accomplished by Jesus is something we should consider each and every day. We should face each day through the lens of what Jesus accomplished, and we should be intentional with continuing to remind ourselves and others of the reality of this truth. Nothing can move us from the firm foundation of Christ; we confidentially give ourselves fully to what the Lord is doing in the world.