Proclaiming the Risen Christ

We come now to the celebration of Easter Sunday on April 12. Down through the centuries, the resurrection has been challenged as to its authenticity. Doubt has been cast that Jesus even rose from the grave.

Some reasons:

1. Jesus didn't really die on the cross, but was taken down in a lethargic state and was revived while in the tomb.
2. The women who went to anoint the body of Jesus went to the wrong tomb.
3. The body of Jesus was stolen.
4. The four Gospels don't agree on the details of the resurrection, so it didn't happen.

What would be the consequence of our not believing in the resurrection? I believe our faith wouldn't mean much at all.

God did not just send us a Savior who died on Good Friday and that was the end of his life. God brought Jesus back from the dead. In fact, Jesus had even foretold both his death and resurrection during his public ministry. His disciples found it hard to believe that he would rise from the dead. The women went to the tomb on that Sunday morning to anoint a dead body.

God had the last and hopeful word by bringing Jesus back from the dead.

The angel who spoke to the women gave them the directive to "go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him." Mark 16:7

We also are to be those who are willing to proclaim the risen Christ. However, the women went out, not proclaiming because they were afraid. Today, our fear might be different - don't talk about religion or fear of being ridiculed that we even believe in such an event.

The resurrection was central along with the crucifixion as being the focal point of Christian proclamation. We, too, need to be brave and not withdraw from acknowledging we have a risen and living Lord.

Have you ever had doubt about the resurrection of Jesus in your life? What power do you think resides in proclaiming a risen and living Lord?