Life and death questions need a risen savior’s answer
Welcome to “Word from The Center” MONDAY, a devotional word from the Center of our faith, Jesus Christ, with reflections on His Word. I’m Gregory Seltz. Today’s verse is John 20:29, where the Bible says,
Jesus said to [thomas], “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
“This might be the year that we see it happen! Our team is going all the way.” That’s typically a springtime mantra for many baseball fans around the country. Usually about now, people who love baseball are entering a new season. It is a moment when the hopes of fans and the team are one. And, most of all, their common expectations are at a feverish “pitch.” Well, that’s if everything goes as planned. That’s if we have the right players and everyone is healthy. That’s if there’s not another worldwide pandemic threatening the very health and economic well-being of Americans and people all around the world. If so, “Play ball!” might again turn into, “Stay home!” Even these days, instead of, “Root, root, root for the home team,” maybe we should pray that we come together as a nation because we all still seem to be under real duress!
Yes, usually this time of year we are talking about fun “cliffhangers,” debating silly things like baseball games, the NBA playoffs, and even whether May showers will really bring April flowers. Just a couple years ago, there was a “cliffhanger” that felt like a “life and death” question, remember? Would this pandemic ever end? Could we get sick and die from this “flu on steroids” virus? Were we getting the right information to make such crucial decisions? Would we lose our jobs, our livelihoods? It was a time when our technologies and drugs seemed to fail us; it was a time when we saw governments and leaders protect themselves first, rather than their people. At times like that, what do we do?
Vital “cliffhanger” questions need answers. When Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday, the greatest cliffhanger in the world occurred. Was that the end for Him, for His disciples, and for us? Would sin overwhelm our Savior? Would eternal life be reduced to wishful thinking? Would His disciples live in fear that the religious leaders or Roman authorities might target them next? Thomas wanted to see the risen Jesus for his answer (see John 20:25). The doubts of Thomas are much like ours. There are moments in our lives when, even with all our preparation, effort, and expense, we don’t know what’s going to happen. And there are even scarier times when a crisis occurs amidst our lack of preparation or the absence of our due diligence.
When those cliffhanger questions arise, the Bible teaches us that, above and beyond our technologies or politics, FAITH is the vital answer. And this faith isn’t in ourselves or our ability, wealth, or stature. No, it’s our FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. That’s the kind of faith which “is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Such a faith gives certainty regarding the eternal things that ultimately matter.
In the midst of all the challenges that we do or don’t see coming in this world, the Savior of the cross and the empty tomb not only draws our attention, but summons our trust because He cares for us now and forever. Cliffhangers in sports? We can handle those. But when it comes to cliffhangers about life itself—viruses, surgeries, or losing loved ones—the key is to bring one’s doubts, challenges, and fears to God. He can turn those situations around in order to bring lasting victory and an eternal celebration even amidst the enduring challenges of the day. That’s an “empty tomb, risen Savior” answer to the overwhelming challenges of life; believe it!
PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for overcoming the greatest opponents which stood against our life with You -- sin, death, and the devil himself. Thank You for answering the cliffhanger of the cross with the reality of Your resurrection. Strengthen our faith in You this day and every day based upon the certainty of our eternal life with You because of Your life, death, and resurrection for us. AMEN.
