By Mark D. Proctor
Pastor, Highland Park Baptist Church, Columbia
Focal Passage: Luke 24:1-8, 36-40
It starts like the thin plot of a low budget thriller. Luke relates the resurrection story in characteristically uncomplicated, simple verb statements: they came, they found, they went in, they were perplexed, and they were terrified. “They” were the loyal, all-female band of Jesus’ followers. And they were out early — very early (Luke 24:1). But this early morning drama quickly gives way to the most recognizable statement in Christian history: “He is not here, but he has risen!” Human fear yields to heavenly victory. The resurrection story is a story of immediate transitions.
Oswald Chambers wrote that we should always be ready, as believers, for the surprise appearances of Jesus. Things change quickly near Jesus. Bodies are healed immediately. Storms are calmed immediately. Water becomes wine immediately. The power of a living Lord makes those transitions happen at the right time in the right way at the right speed — immediately. Teachers, point this out to your class members and encourage the hope that the power of the resurrection means that today’s pain and distress can quickly give way to today’s comfort. [Read more…]


