he presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. [acts 1:3]
the resurrection as the foundation
and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.
[1 corinthians 15:14]
as luke begins recording God’s work through the apostles in the early church, he starts by asserting the reality of the resurrection. do not be mistaken – while the apostles are the ones in front now, everything is built and dependent on the Godhood and resurrection of Christ. no matter how good or bad the preaching, no matter how big or small the crowd, in success and in suffering—if the resurrection did not happen this is all foolishness. everything is built upon this miracle—on the Son becoming flesh and dying to stay the wrath of his just Father, and being raised from the dead, victorious over sin and death.
do not be fooled – our faith is not just some reasonable way of living, the way to live our best life. the way of Christ is the way of the unreasonable. to die for those who despise you, to tell people the truth they need even when it means you will be hated, to obediently follow the Holy Spirit’s leading even when nothing short of a miracle will prevent you from falling on your back and looking like a fool. God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. (1 cor 1:27) Jesus said unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (mt 18:3)
Lord, help us to realize that our whole life and relationship with you is founded on the work and resurrection of your son. forgive us for when we’ve made following you a side task, and help us to put you at the center where you belong. give us the faith to risk looking foolish for your sake, and kill that in us which wants to make this life with you easy and reasonable. we will serve and obey you—when we understand and when we cannot.
~ stephen hall