Have you heard a saying that was so off the wall that you had to ask for it to be repeated? In fact, there are some phrases and sayings that don’t make sense until they are explained (especially if you’ve never heard them before). For me, the phrase “Let’s address the elephant in the room” was one of those. The first time I heard it used, I was quite perplexed until its meaning was made known to me. In addressing this phrase, the most accurate definition I found was: an obvious major problem, issue or fact that people avoid discussing or acknowledging. Well, if this is an appropriate definition, what “elephant” am I trying to address? I would respond by asking – when was the last time you thought about death, either yours or a loved one’s? Or how often do you have in-depth conversations about it? I am certain there are many other areas in our lives that we don’t like to address, or be reminded of. If left to us, we would rather avoid them altogether. Death is one of those “elephants” that is around us but we ignore, either by ignorance or by choice. There are also very few things we can guarantee in life, and death is at the very top of the list. We are all destined for it, and none of us will escape it. If you have lived long enough you have been exposed to it in various forms (directly or indirectly). But if you are fortunate to have not yet experienced it, then brace yourself. Death is a reality of life, yet it always takes us by surprise. It usually has a way of reminding us of what really matters. The Bible highlights this (Eccl. 7:2, 2 Cor. 4:16-18, Jas. 4:13-16, etc.).
It has been a season where it seems as though death is all around me. I have attended three funerals in the past month, so it is fresh in my mind. In a way, death is broadcasting itself to me in this season. Through these celebrations of life, I have been reminded of the brevity of life and have been simultaneously encouraged to live well with the time I have left. In our death-avoiding culture, where everything is designed to keep us from admitting this reality of life, I have learned that pausing to reflect is essential. For me, learning to intentionally do this has helped me focus on the things that matter. Otherwise, I find myself believing the lie that I am invincible and that my number will not be up anytime soon. I wonder if that is why Moses encourages the people of God to number their days (Ps. 90:12). We also read of God’s original intent for humans in Genesis, which was to live forever. But because of sin entering the world, this temporarily changed. By God’s providence, we now have to die in order to be restored to our original intent – being in His presence. If we are in Christ, this is our future. This is central to why Christ had to come and be born in human flesh, to live the life we could never live, and to give his life for us in order that we might spend eternity with God. This is why Christmas and Easter are so important. While Christmas observes the birth of Jesus, Easter remembers the main Christian event: Christ’s suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection. For Christians, Easter is the foundation on which everything stands. Namely, Christ’s voluntary death and resurrection to save humankind from sin and death (Rom. 8:2). And this is why the apostle Paul says that without the resurrection, nothing matters (1 Cor. 12-19, 20-33).
In my last post, we journeyed through the last week of Jesus’s ministry before he went to the cross (Holy Week). From His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, to following through with the plan from eternity past by accepting God’s wrath on our behalf. We see our Suffering Servant King as the prophet Isaiah foretold about (Isa. 53). Now, it’s been three days after Good Friday, and Easter Sunday is here: Jesus is raised from the dead and is fully alive! He is the resurrection and the life, just as he said (Jn 11:25).
Resurrection of Jesus: (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20)
As mentioned before, the crucifixion of Jesus was part of God’s plan from the very beginning. In order that the justice of God would be demonstrated, the sin of humankind would require a payment, a sacrifice. Jesus lived a sinless life, making a way for us to receive salvation and eternal life through him.The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. Without the resurrection, the belief in God’s saving grace through Jesus is destroyed. When Jesus rose from the dead, He confirmed his identity as the Son of God and His work of atonement, redemption, reconciliation, and salvation. The resurrection was a real, literal, physical raising of Jesus’ body from the dead. Jesus was arrested, tried, and found guilty of claiming to be a king. His body was hung on a cross between two thieves. After his death, Jesus’ body was wrapped in linen cloth and placed in a tomb with a large stone rolled across the opening. On the third day, an early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and another Mary came to the tomb and found it empty. Sitting on the rolled-away stone was an angel of the Lord who told them not to be afraid because Jesus had risen. As the women left to tell the disciples, Jesus Christ met them and showed them his nail-pierced hands. Both the Old and the New Testaments speak of the truth of Jesus being raised from death. Jesus testified of his resurrection before he died on the cross, and his disciples witnessed his body after the resurrection. You see, because of our sin, we all deserve eternity apart from God. But because of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross, we have now been reconciled to Him (Rom. 5:9-11). What a beautiful exchange!
My friends, because of Resurrection Sunday, we should not fear death. Rather, we must be reminded of the living hope that we have in Christ because he defeated death, our final enemy (1 Cor. 15:55-56). And this is the hope that does not put us to shame (Rom. 5:5). For all who believe in Christ, death is not the end, but the passageway of our full entrance into God’s presence. We will not fully grasp this yet, but like the apostle Paul, we press on through faith to the upward call of Christ (Phil 3:14), while we see dimly what we will fully see in heaven (1 Cor. 13:12). Death can be a great teacher, and my experience with it has been beautiful. Yes, beautiful! I am willing to engage and to grow more in this area of my faith with anyone who might want to do likewise. Will you join me in this endeavor? Praise be to the Maker and Keeper of our souls, whom we shall live with for all of eternity (Rev. 21). And as Paul reflected on this towards the end of his life, may we join him as we grow into a place where we can say, “…that Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:20-21) Be encouraged: The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave now lives in all who believe in Him (Rom. 8:11, Eph. 1:19-20).
Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!!!
Drink from The Well 
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