ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 7, 2024
In Luke 24:21-23, we read of some who are still trying to make sense of the death and possibility of Jesus’ resurrection:
But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive.
No proof, just dramatic tales. This is the reality of Christianity. When all is said and done, there is no scientific proof for the idea that a man from Nazareth by the name of Jesus was resurrected from the dead. In recent years, the shelves at bookstores have nearly collapsed under the weight of books that have attempted to give some sort of proof to the idea, but in the end, these books fail to do what they say they will do. If ultimately the proof is in the pudding, then you and I are the pudding. Our lives should make a dramatic enough statement that scientific proof is not necessary. People should be able to look at the lives of Christians and say, “I don’t understand it, but there is something to it. I can see it in the way these people live their lives.”
By your spirit, O Heavenly One, make me an intriguing case for your Gospel. Amen.
1 thought on “04-07-24”
Since there wasn’t a multitude of cameras inside & outside the tomb filming when Jesus gasped for that first breath of life sustaining air, we will never have actual proof of the Resurrection. – As you stated we have all the proof we need and all the reasons why as you of course all ready know.
In Jesus and in the Old Testament myth and history meet. We have so much historical proof of people, places and events that took place in both the Old and New Testaments. But here history of itself, as a mere succession of events, has no meaning. But when historical events are seen to reveal the ultimate significance of life, that meaning of life, that questioning, that yearning, that absolute need that every one is born with (whether they pursue it or not) then myth and history meet. – Paradise and the Fall, the Exodus and the Promised Land, the promise of the Messiah and his Kingdom, Jerusalem, the City of God to the Virgin Birth, the Miracles, the Sacrificial Death, the Resurrection, and the Ascension with the anticipation of everlasting life and love brings myth & historical facts together to nothing less than the Truth, far beyond anything science will ever be advanced enough to Prove!
There are so many thoughts for another time, but if we would just stop and think about perfect God’s work is on the universe alone. Just one planet being just a fraction out of place and our earth could not sustain life.
But I don’t think we should ever stop searching for more evidence. I want those books on those shelves to be so abundant that the shelves bow to the floor. While I don’t need the proof for my faith, I want the proof for the satisfaction, interest, symmetry, the beauty and glory that it brings to my heart and mind.
And yet as I have searched for more depth and knowledge, one case that being of the Gospels for example, I learn new things to me but then after awhile I can’t help but to wonder if I’m distorting the overall beauty of God’s story. In other words, is this just becoming a game of trivia? For example:
Matthew – He sees Jesus as the new Moses. To be clear the greater than new Moses
Moses delivers his people out of Egypt Jesus comes out of Egypt to deliver all People
Moses crosses the Red Sea Jesus baptism in the Jordan River and receives the Holy Spirit
Moses wanders in the wilderness for 40 yrs. Jesus goes to the wilderness for 40 days
Moses receives Law from the mountain Jesus gives Law from the mountain
Moses gives Divine Teaching Jesus gives Divine Teaching
Moses delivers people from slavery Jesus delivers Jerusalem from slavery
Moses saves his people from sin Jesus forgives all who follow from sin
Moses and a New Covenant with God Jesus is the New Covenant with God
This is but one tidbit on Matthew’s writings. – One could fill 2 more pages on Matthew alone and 3or 4 pages on each of the others 3 gospels as well including the contrasts between each. In addition, info on Paul’s letters and so on. – So at what point does it matter? It doesn’t change to meaning of life thru Jesus Christ our Savior. – There are so many thought enhancing, inspiring and beautiful works available about God (the Trinity) that I have to wonder if it isn’t time to come back to the Father?