A Pause to Ponder God's Word
He's Risen! So What?
Chuck Colson tells of the time he was having dinner with a gentleman and they were discussing Easter as they ate. Chuck explained that Easter was the celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead. The gentleman interrupted him and asked if he had heard him correctly. "You mean," the man inquired, "that you Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead!?" Chuck responded with a vigorous, "absolutely! He arose from the grave never to die again." To which the man replied, "I never knew that.  I have known many Christians, but not one has ever told me that they believed that Jesus rose from the dead. That surely makes a tremendous difference."

Jesus being risen from the dead is at the core of who and what we Christians are and believe. But, just what is involved in
this tremendous difference? The writer of Hebrews addresses this question giving some essential answers. In the first part of chapter 10 the writer gives clear, sound teaching concerning Jesus' complete and eternal fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system. Jesus died once and for all! Then in verse 20 he announces the new and living way that has been opened for us. The context reveals that the phrase, "living way" speaks to both the cross and resurrection. One without the other would be of no consequence. Jesus had to die to be resurrected and if He had not risen from the dead the cross would have no power. This passage affirms the glorious fact that Jesus is alive! But, the question remains; so what?

In his gospel Luke points out that when Christ died the curtain which closed off the Most Holy Place, which only the high priest could enter once a year to make sacrifice for the sins of Israel and then only after a rigid purification ritual was followed, was torn in half. (Luke 24:45) Now, through Jesus' death and resurrection we have direct access to God.  Jesus Himself is our perfect great high priest! (v. 21) Notice, the important phrase, "we have" in this verse. It is in the present tense because Jesus is alive forever! He ever intercedes on our behalf.  (Hebrews 7:25) Because Jesus is alive and has provided in full for us we have confidence in Him and His work to enter the Most Holy Place to speak directly to God.

Having such a High Priest and confidence compels action. What is the appropriate action?  Read on in chapter ten. Listen as we are enjoined to: draw near to God; have our hearts and consciences cleansed; hold unswervingly to the hope we possess in Christ Jesus; encourage one another in the Way; spur each on in love and good deeds; meet regularly and often with other Christians to worship, celebrate, and fellowship. (vs. 22-25) This is the "so what" of Jesus being a Risen Savior and Lord! And this is just the beginning!

Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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