The Worst Thing is Never the Last Thing
Tony Cooke
This week, Christians around the world will celebrate the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. While some may see this as a formality on the church calendar, others will be dramatically and dynamically impacted as they grasp resurrection’s reality: “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54).
In hundreds of thousands of pulpits, the literal and factual story of Jesus dying for our sins and being raised for our justification will be proclaimed (Romans 4:25). Make no mistake about it, the story, the facts must be told. But there is more to the resurrection than factual information.
As we believe and embrace the truth of the Word, the Holy Spirit will then continue in our “receiving” process, helping us in making application of the truth to our hearts, our lives, and to our particular situations in life. This is just one of many reasons why He is our Comforter (John 14:26, etc., KJV).
Some especially relevant, free resources concerning Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are listed below, but here are three quotes that are speaking to my heart and to Lisa’s this week.
“Resurrection means the worst thing is never the last thing.”
– Frederick Buechner
“This is the message of the resurrection. Life springs forth from death. A desert becomes a garden. Beauty transcends the ugly. Love overcomes hatred. A tomb is emptied. The grim and haunting outline of a cross is swallowed in the glow of an Easter morning sunrise.”
– Max Anders
“No matter how devastating our struggles, disappointments, and troubles are, they are only temporary. No matter what happens to you, no matter the depth of tragedy or pain you face… the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good.”
– Josh McDowell
Regardless of what you have faced, are facing, or will ever face, God will always have the final word!
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful’” (Revelation 21:4-5).
Christ is Risen!
Additional Resources
Great Thoughts Regarding the Cross, and the Suffering, and Death of the Lord Jesus Christ
Medical Description of the Flogging and Crucifixion of Jesus
Resurrection: Past, Present, Future
