Toongabbie Anglican Church Blog

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People will believe if…

Sunday 23 March, 2008 · Posted by Raj Gupta

In the first century, Jesus told a story about a rich man and Lazarus (Luke 17:19-31). Lazarus was the equivalent of a homeless drunk in our terms. When they died, Lazarus the beggar was carried into heaven and the rich man was carried into hell, where he was in torment.

Initially the rich man asked for mercy for himself. He was told that it was too late. Then the rich man pleaded that Lazarus might be sent to his five brothers to warn them to repent. It was pointed out that already there have been several prophets delivering the warning.

But the rich man said No … but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent. He was told If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead. Jesus was prophetic, for even after Jesus physically rose from the dead and was seen by thousands of witnesses, people continue to choose not to believe in the message.

Easter Day (the Sunday of Easter) is the day set aside each year for us to remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is a unique event in human history that changed our world forever. Now we can live with hope for the future. 1 Corinthians 15 spells out the enormous implications of Jesus resurrection: since death came through one man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man (v21). Because Christ has been risen from the dead, we know that God has power over death and so too those who trust in Jesus will be risen from the dead. Indeed, if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith (v14).

This is why there are few more important days on the Christian calendar than Easter Day. However else you may enjoy Easter, may I encourage you to make sure you make time this day to thank God for raising Jesus from the dead, and for promising also to raise those who trust in Jesus? For he has sent his One and Only Son to die for you.

Raj

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