Celebrating the Marvel and Mystery

Luke 24:1-3 (ESV) ¹ But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. ² And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, ³ but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  

                Most people like a good mystery, I know that I do. You get into the story, get to know the characters and then watch the twist and turns as it all plays out. We know that in the end, the bad guy will get his punishment and the good guy will get the girl. The mystery and suspense keeps us going to the end of the story and then we are surprised with a witty and surprising ending.

                As I reflect upon the life and death of Jesus in many ways it can be compared with the greatest of mysteries ever. At what we think is the end comes one of the greatest twists ever. Just as we think the hero Jesus has been overcome by the very power of death and evil, Jesus prevails victorious as he emerges from the grave. What an amazing event, and a mystery to behold. Jesus is the victor. Jesus is the fulfill-er of prophesy to overcome death.

                Once a year as followers of Christ Jesus we celebrate Easter. This is a celebration of the greatest event ever to happen in history. We gather together for worship and fellowship. We get together with family and friends to eat and visit. But when the ham is gone and the good dishes are put away what do we do? Life goes back to normal and we begin to think about Mother’s Day or the Fourth of July.

                I have begun to think that one day is not enough. That one hour of worship and a ham for dinner is not enough. I want to challenge myself and anyone else who will take it one to remember the resurrection each and every day. There should be no limit to the marvel and mystery. There should be no limit to the power and the victory of Christ. If we truly believe in who Jesus is as the very Son of God who rose from the grave then shouldn't we live as such? Shouldn't we embrace the mystery, the marvel, the victory and the power? I know that I want to continue to embrace it all and live it out in my life every day.

                I still like a good mystery. The mystery of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection will continue to make a different in the world. It will continue to play out in peoples lives for them to know the wonder of the One True God.