Raised Up

How come everyone who knew Jesus was so surprised about His resurrection? I mean, it's not like Jesus never plainly told His disciples that he would suffer, be killed and raised to life again (Matthew 16, 17, 20, Luke 9). He even tore into Simon for arguing against that "crazy" line of thinking... going so far as to call him the devil for trying to circumvent God's plan of salvation (Matthew 16:23). But it's true... all of it... the Son of Man came to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies and rescue humanity from its helpless estate. He came to suffer and die, opening for us a way to die to our sin (rather than in our sin). And yet He was raised, opening for us the way to live in the power of His resurrection.

But still we doubt... and argue. Those who don't believe in Christ doubt the resurrection because it is simply not logical or reasonable. Those of us who have crossed that spiritual/intellectual barrier and do believe in the resurrection of Jesus can't quite agree on what was accomplished in terms of our life in Christ. Was the work of the atonement (including the resurrection) primarily a legal transaction... or was it more about the demonstration of holy love? Was it for the salvation of all humanity, or just the elect? Yada, yada, yada...

In my tradition of faith - which certainly has its detractors (many of whom may write me a long response to correct my improper view of sanctification) - we view the resurrection as an invitation to live the Christ life, and all that implies. Wesley said something to the effect that the supreme and overruling purpose of God's plan of salvation is to renew men and women's hearts in His image... not just someday but in this life. Not perfection of our humanity per se, but perfection of our ability to love others. The Holy Spirit reveals this holy mystery to us and empowers us to participate in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. In other words, Jesus not only delivered us from all sin (in objective terms), He also made it possible for believers to be filled with all the fullness of God (in subjective terms)... through faith that works by grace-filled, ever-growing love for God and neighbor.

Well, whether or not any of that made any sense... Easter is certainly a cause for Christian celebration... even in the midst of our perplexing, doubt-laden, relationship with, and oft-argued understanding of the resurrection. Perhaps it's not important that we fully understand and/or agree on all the implications of the resurrection, as it is to simply believe and extend grace toward one another.

In Luke 24, when He encountered the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Jesus employed a great way to open the eyes of the disciples so they were filled to overflowing with surprising joy and Messianic hope; the Eucharist. After pointing out all that the Scriptures had to say about his earthly ministry, Jesus, "Sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him" (Luke 24, The Message). Wow, when we sit down at the table of fellowship and break bread together as followers of Jesus, we find that all we need to know about God's salvation is made clearly visible to us... He gives us full recognition and removes our doubts and anxieties so that we may experience the fullness of His divine presence. Hmmmmm... That seems worthy of celebration. Happy Easter!