Resurrection
April 4, 2010
Resurrection. 
We believe in the resurrection. But what does it mean for us now. Is it that it proves the divinity of Christ? Is it that it somehow guarantees he will return? I have certainly thought both. Yesterday’s ConneXions discussion by Angie presented the Rob Bell challenge:
“These first Christians believed that Jesus’ resurrection had implications for the entire universe. Their tradition had taught them that the world is broken and desperately in need of repair and that at some point in the future, God was going to put it all back together. For them, this future restoration had nothing to do with leaving this world; it was all about the restoration, the renewing and reclaiming of this world.”
Hmm. Wow. Resurrection and restoration. I suppose the resurrection was the restoration of Christ as the Son of God; from death to life, from life on earth to his return to the Father. Sounds familiar. The gospel message. The great commission.
Go as my disciples, going into all the world teaching what you have learned from me (Matthew 28). Go as my ambassadors to proclaim “Come back to my Father” (2 Corinthians 5). Receive the power of the Holy Spirit and be my witness to the ends of the earth (Acts 1). Go and heal the broken-hearted, proclaim freedom, release from darkness (Isaiah 61). It rings of restoration.
“These first Christians believed very passionately that the world was not made better through military power and political coercion. This gospel they were living had nothing to do with using political force to force people to live according to your laws. For them, this gospel was about serving the world especially those on the underside of the empire. For them, it was about serving, not ruling.”
Wow. Reminds me of the second service communion that followed ConneXions. Here is the King come to earth as a man. His disciples see him at the very least as a great Teacher and are perhaps beginning to understand he is the promised Savior. They go to celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover and Jesus turns the tradition upside down. He begins it by taking on the role of a slave and washing the feet of his disciples. Serving. Not ruling. Then he breaks bread and drink and pronounces them symbols of not a revolution that will break the rule of Rome. But as symbols of his willingness to be broken and bleeding, to die so as to break the rule claim of sin and Satan. To set the captives free. Serving. Sacrificing all. Not ruling.
The resurrection of Christ. What good news for us today! Freely you have received. Freely give.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to read the rest from this author. Craigan Griffin is a local doctor and outdoorsman, who loves his family and living in Bend. He is a lay leader in ConneXions and has a passion for exploring the Word and pursuing the Way. 
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