Jesus never wrote anything. He hung out, and talked, and healed. But if his followers had only done that, we wouldn’t know even that about him. Both-And, not Either-Or. And some people more one than the other.
- John Piper
Paul’s declaration in 1 Corinthians 15:19 seem to be the most significant and profound words ever written about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He writes, “If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
I asked a non-Christian person last week if I was crazy for believing that Jesus died, rose, and ascended into heaven and that I am living my life according to his word. This person did not believe Jesus really rose from the dead. He looked at me and answered, “No.” (Honestly, I think he just didn’t want to offend me.) I replied back with something to the affect of, “If Jesus didn’t rise, then I’m crazy for believing a hoax. You don’t believe Jesus rose from the dead. Therefore, you think I believe a lie and/or a hoax and furthermore, I must be crazy if I believe it.”
He refused to concede. It makes perfect sense though, doesn’t it? As the great C.S. Lewis said, you either must make Jesus your Lord or not–for he did not leave us any other options. Jesus really did die on a cross. Jesus really did rise from the dead. Jesus really did appear to more than 500 people at one time. Jesus really does reign in heaven right now and in the hearts of those who confess him. He’s either your Lord or something else is.
At the end of 1 Corinthians 15, Paul sums up his 57 verse treatise of the resurrection with one simple application: ”Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (v. 58). Paul’s words are clear: Jesus is risen, so you can be unwavering in your faith in him, which should result in continued, quality work for him. It is not in vain, because he is risen. It is not in vain, because he reigns on high. It is not in vain, because one day we will be raised to new life with him.
May we remind ourselves this Easter that Jesus is still alive and our work, no matter the cost, will never be in vain.
It’s funny how God speaks to us exactly what we need (and want sometimes) to hear at the precise moment we need encouragement. He is so good, so faithful, so unchangeable, so provisional, so sovereign, and so loving. It makes my heart delight that I serve such a God. With that, here’s what God spoke to me, through the help of my friend Charles Spurgeon. From Morning and Evening:
Communion with Christ is a certain cure for every ill. Whether it be the wormwood of woe, or the cloying surfeit of earthly delight, close fellowship with the Lord Jesus will take bitterness from the one, and satiety from the other. Live near to Jesus, Christian, and it is matter of secondary importance whether thou livest on the mountain of honour or in the valley of humiliation. Living near to Jesus, thou art covered with the wings of God, and underneath thee are the everlasting arms. Let nothing keep thee from that hallowed intercourse, which is the choice privilege of a soul wedded to THE WELL-BELOVED. Be not content with an interview now and then, but seek always to retain His company, for only in His presence hast thou either comfort or safety. Jesus should not be unto us a friend who calls upon us now and then, but one with whom we walk evermore. Thou hast a difficult road before thee: see, O traveller to heaven, that thou go not without thy guide. Thou hast to pass through the fiery furnace; enter it not unless, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, thou hast the Son of God to be thy companion. Thou hast to storm the Jericho of thine own corruptions: attempt not the warfare until, like Joshua, thou hast seen the Captain of the Lord’s host, with His sword drawn in His hand. Thou art to meet the Esau of thy many temptations: meet him not until at Jabbok’s brook thou hast laid hold upon the angel, and prevailed. In every case, in every condition, thou wilt need Jesus; but most of all, when the iron gates of death shall open to thee. Keep thou close to thy soul’s Husband, lean thy head upon His bosom, ask to be refreshed with the spiced wine of His pomegranate, and thou shalt be found of Him at the last, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Seeing thou hast lived with Him, and lived in Him here, thou shalt abide with Him for ever.
