Tonight's Blog for March 30, 2013

In the short time before night falls we could focus on the details of the visits by JESUS to his disciples, or the fact

that HE first was seen by one of HIS women followers named Mary. We could talk about the angels, or the guards who were so afraid that they shook and became like dead men. Interesting discussion starters, but not as important as some questions that will help us to answer the greatest question of all for us.

Don't get me wrong, questions are good at helping us to get our focus tonight. Questions that get asked at night, like this one: "what about the body of the lady who died here in Monroe, from a senseless high speed accident?" Or "What about the dad who died an August night just one day from turning seventy?" Or "What about the hope that we have to be together again with those we love and miss?" Good questions demand an answer from the scriptures, to prepare us for that one, greatest of all questions. 

 Here is a part of my answer to each person who asks: "Did you know that there are some verses in our Bibles, written in the earliest of times for the Jewish folks, that give us amazing details and great hope?"  My answer, as is often my desire, is to share one of the scriptures that have spoken hope to me. In the book of Job, just before Psalms in your Bible, one of the oldest books in the BIble, is a book about a man and his suffering that has become synonomous with pain and grief. In Job 19: 25-27 we read, "I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" 

My friend, Mark asked me about the Resurrection in the Old Testament. I was glad to say that this passage in Job is one of the best and most comforting I know. I love that it also hints at the reason that we still worship JESUS after 2000 years. Actually, I would want to say to Mark, and to each of you, "The greatest question of all time… demands the greatest answer!" 

The greatest question of all for us to ponder to night, "did it really happen?" With every part of my heart, I say "yes!" Along with the guards and sightings, and people who ate with Jesus, and touched him after the Resurrection, there is for me the fact of the empty Tomb. 

I also remind you that it isn't just a matter of the heart, but of the will of our Father in heaven. Because He loves us, we believe in His power. Because of HIS power, we love HIM. His love and His power came together to create this hope for us. GOD Bless you tonight, my dear friends… big marv