Pastor's Column 4/17/22

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.” Matthew 27:45, NIV

“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb… the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, He has risen, just as He said.”

Matthew 28:5-6, NIV

Resurrection Sunday –“Darkness To Dawn!”

Alan Sandage was a prolific astronomer who, like many, considered the Resurrection a hoax It was to him, scientifically untenable. In today’s jargon, the Resurrection was at best, ‘fake news.” Alan spent much of his life as an atheist; then he became an agnostic. He went from utter disbelief of the Resurrection to a notion that it just didn’t make sense. Then, the shrouded veil of disbelief was lifted. In spite of his many accomplishments and acclaim, Alan felt something was missing in his life. Later in life, after toiling in darkness, Alan became a Christian. As the light dawned in his heart, he said, “I could not live a life full of cynicism. I chose to believe, and a peace of mind came over me.” The ominous clouds that rise in our worlds, can often lead us to despair. We may find it difficult to believe in something where the proof does not meet our criteria. There were many who “followed” Jesus, and spoke of Him fondly as prophet, Rabbi, and healer. It was easy to claim Jesus during His ministry; especially when crowds and chants of praise accompanied Him. Then one, long foreboding day, outside of the city gates of Jerusalem, Jesus became a public spectacle on a cross. The Jews, from ancient times had said, “Anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse (Deut. 21:23b, NIV).” But the Resurrection of Jesus canceled every curse. It is the dawn that came after the darkness; the belief that chokes all doubt; and the joy in the morning! For all eternity, we’re confident in the angel’s word, “He is not here, He has risen just as He said.” The faithful women bore witness to this truth!

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