So, What Now?

So, there is this big build-up to Easter! Our Christian hope reaches full crescendo in the declaration that "Christ is risen!" with the response, "Risen, indeed!" Now it’s time to ask, what difference will all those songs and sermons make today? If I really believe what I say I believe I have set the cornerstone for a transformed life.

Paul, heard the commission of the Resurrected Jesus to ‘go and preach the Good News of the Kingdom.' For him that was no ‘nice thought for Sunday’s reveries.' It was the compelling factor that shaped life- day by day. He asks, "And why do you think I keep risking my neck in this dangerous work? I look death in the face practically every day I live. Do you think I'd do this if I wasn't convinced of your resurrection and mine as guaranteed by the resurrected Messiah Jesus? .... Not on your life! It's resurrection, resurrection, always resurrection, that undergirds what I do and say, the way I live. If there's no resurrection, "We eat, we drink, the next day we die," and that's all there is to it. But don't fool yourselves. Don't let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk. "Bad company ruins good manners."

Think straight. Awaken to the holiness of life. No more playing fast and loose with resurrection facts. Ignorance of God is a luxury you can't afford in times like these." 1 Corinthians 15:32-34 The Message

Disciple, you will be tempted and tested, probably before this day is over, to lower your sights and live for earthly appetites. Paul describes that way of life: "Their future is eternal destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and all they think about is this life here on earth." (Philippians 3:19, NLT)

Food, sex, experiencing pleasure, owning things - nothing is wrong with those IF they are in the right order of life. Holding our spouse in our arms is a gift of God. Enjoying a feast of good food, having resources available to buy things that make our lives more comfortable -- these are good and for them we should give thanks while we are able to enjoy them. Misery for misery's sake is foolish. However, if make these blessings into the meaning of life, we are bowing to a false god who cannot give us life nor if we are in love with our appetites, will we faithfully do the will of our Risen Christ.

Hum the tunes to the songs you sang in church yesterday throughout this day! Keep asking yourself -
"- would I make this choice if ...
- would I say this if ...
- would I be getting upset right now if ...
- would I be putting so many energies into this matter if ...
- would I think this was really important if
...I really believed that I am sharing the Resurrection Life of Christ Jesus?"

_____________________

Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Sweet Jesus Christ, my clarity.

Bread of heaven, broken for me,
Cup of salvation held up to drink.
Jesus, Mystery.

Christ has died and Christ is risen,
and Christ will come again!

Celebrate his death and rising;
Lift your eyes, proclaim his coming!
Celebrate his death and rising;
Lift your eyes, lift your eyes!

Christ has died, and Christ is risen,
and Christ will come again!
Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity.
Sweet Jesus Christ, my clarity.

Mystery
Charlie Hall, copyright 2008 Worshiptogether Music