[29] “brothers, i may say to you with confidence about the patriarch david that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. [30] being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, [31] he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. [32] this Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. [33] being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. [34] for david did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “ ‘the Lord said to my Lord, “sit at my right hand, [35] until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’ [36] let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” [acts 2:29–36]
“people just don’t rise from the dead!”
several years ago, this was a phrase a young girl spoke to me after i preached an easter service. it struck me like a lightening bolt and it became a phrase i still use any time i talk about real life in Jesus and his resurrection power.
question:
how does the resurrection of Jesus fall on your heart and mind each time you hear or read of it?
i am not asking if there is emotional stirrings in your heart? i am not asking if you are brought to tears? (although nothing wrong with that.) i am asking, does your heart and mind have any reaction to the resurrection of Jesus that stirs you to – praise, worship, to think on the truths of what his resurrection gives you, to press into his presence, to desire more of his power, to long for more of his holiness, etc. or, does the resurrection land like news from a bygone era: when you read about the death on many aboard the titanic or when you read again about the fall of the twin towers on 9/11.
the resurrection of Jesus Christ forever changed history and forever changes you. if you have trusted your soul to redeeming and restoring work of Jesus Christ, you are not the same. In Christ, his resurrection means – Jesus stands at the right hand of the Father interceding for you daily (vs 33), the Holy Spirit has come to you and is in you (vs 33), God has conquered sin and hell and the power of these in your life (vs 35), and Jesus has proven himself LORD overall securing you and your soul forever (vs 36).
today – read through this passage again and let the Spirit stir your heart afresh to the resurrection work of Jesus!
come Lord Jesus, stir my heart to a deeper understanding and deeper desire to live in the resurrection power of Jesus. “people just don’t rise from the dead!” may my worship increase of you, may my desire to grow in resurrection power increase, and may your total LORDship of my life increase as i submit to your resurrection power. in Jesus name – amen!
~ john ryan