Re: Verse reading–1 Corinthians 15:3-20, 35-44, 50-57 (day two)
Severe truth.  In order to understand the power of the resurrection, we must understand its context. Paul said it in the first century “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (1 Corinthians 15:14).  In the twentieth century C.S. Lewis said it like this: “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher.  He would either be a lunatic–on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg–or else he would be the Devil of Hell.  You must make your choice.  Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.” (Mere Christianity)

I, therefore, choose to believe that Christ was raised from the dead, and I choose to believe that he was indeed the Son of God.  Which means that Jesus’ choice to face the cross was so that we could become a fulfillment of a promise.  That the corrupt could now put on incorruption, that the mortal could clothe ourselves with immortality in an eternity that brims with hope.  As I read through these words of Paul it helps me marvel once again at what Christ took on so that we could have that hope.

On Sunday it will be a privilege to share portions of the great sacred oratorio Messiah.  1 Corinthians 15 was the subject of the most triumphant portion of the work.  The miracle of the creation of Messiah was less the time it took to create the masterpiece, but the recognition by the composer that God was at work and bringing glory unto Himself.  Thanks be to God.

Re: Verse reading–Deuteronomy 34 (day two)
Although Moses wasone hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated.

Talk about running your race well! Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Willow Creek Association Global Leadership Summit where we were able to hear the hearts of some truly Godly leaders on a variety of subjects. At the end of the summit we were introduced to the “new” head of the international arm of the organization. As he began his new position he was 70 years old, and in his opening remarks he said, “if you’re not dead, you’re not done.” This was certainly the case with Moses, who to the end was leading, teaching, and listening. He knew that the end of his earthly journey would not be the end of the journey for God’s chosen, so he continued to serve. Eventually we will all slow our pace with regards to work and career, but we should all look to Moses’ example for service in the Kingdom. We may all not have undimmed vision or unabated vigor, but we can still serve. What leg of the journey are you currently on? Stay in the race!

Re: Verse reading–1 Samuel 8:1-10, 1 Samuel 12:1-5 (day two)
Transitions are tough. Tougher still to watch something you have devoted yourself to for a lifetime go in a direction that points anywhere but up. Maybe you can relate. Have you witnessed a career’s worth of work dissipate due to lack of vision by successive leadership? Perhaps you have poured into your children’s spiritual development only to have them recalcitrant and unredeemed. It is certainly enough to make you want to throw your hands in the air. Surely Samuel felt this tension. His life’s devotion to the Lord on behalf of the nation of Israel was seemingly lost on his sons and the people. But how often do we have to be reminded to be responsible for ourselves? We cannot change the minds and hearts of others, we can only be accountable for our response to the world. It may be frustrating, but it is often enough just to handle what is on our plates rather than try to worry about everything else. God is still in control. The people of Israel cried out for a king. God did answer, but certainly not like they expected. This is why on Sunday we will sing “Rejoice, the LORD is King”.