He Is Risen! Stand Firm! He Is Risen Indeed!

That’s the empty tomb.

In Jerusalem.

Inspiring to see, to be reminded that Jesus of Nazareth was dead but is resurrected.

Why?

There’s not a simple answer.

Since it is so profound, it requires faith to grasp, and then barely.

The “why” gets at an existential and fundamental reality about the world and our participation in it with God.

Here’s how old St Paul put it to the carousing Christians in Corinth:

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn:

Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.”

/ 1Corinthians‬ ‭15:20-24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Not that this explains everything, but it unveils a take on reality that is both jarring but inspiring.

I love how he ends this chapter of the letter:

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.

Let nothing move you.

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:58‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Clearly trusting in God and the resurrected Jesus Christ shapes how we live and love, how we hope and serve, how we care and lead in this beautiful and heart-breaking world.

For me I’m still working out what the “why” means for me – still praying and learning, still trusting, still seeking and striving, still hoping.

Stand firm. He is Risen!

faith #hope #love #pray #HeisRisen #easter #emptytomb #resurrection