April 23
Christ's Resurrection and Ours
I Corinthians 15:20-27, 35-44

Key Verse: 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. I Corinthians 15:20-21

When Dr. Harold Spann spoke during our annual Missions Conference, he made this startling statement: "This Missions Sunday in your church is more important than Christmas or Easter because the focus today is on our Lord's first concern for His Church."

Spann went on to explain that the Church finds its mission in the Lord's Great Commission, to go into all the world and make disciples. These words were etched by the Spirit in my mind: "Until our Lord's last command becomes our first concern, we have failed to be about the Father's business."

More important than the celebration of the resurrection? Upon reflection I have decided that Spann is right. And for this reason: the best evidence that we truly believe in Christ's resurrection is our earnest participation in the Great Commission.

Omit the "c" from commission and you have the word omission. The letter "c" may stand for commitment. Thus, Spann says, if we are not committed to the Great Commission, then we are guilty of the great omission.

So, as we celebrate our Lord's resurrection, let us remember that the gift of eternal life is available to everyone, and that includes the four billion plus nonbelievers who share life on the earth with us. Think of the joy and hope we gain from believing that God did in fact raise Jesus from the dead!

When we make our journeys to the cemetery, we are not as those without hope, dejected and defeated by sin and the grave. We know that because He lives, we too shall live. The grave is not the end! There is more so let us give thanks amidst our Easter lilies and fine clothes, and get on with the task of telling the world that our Savior lives!