Nougat 16

Siblings, there is something about the resurrection that keeps me going even when I want to throw bin the towel. Perhaps it’s the mystery; probably it’s the prophetic promises it embodies; it may even be more selfish – but I tell you, Hmmn the power of Jesus’ Resurrection! I could preach! (We have the opportunity to share in the special Passover Feast later in the reflection. If you have the elements, bread and wine/juice, you are welcome to set them aside now.

Breathe on these elements dear Jesus as we remember and proclaim even now your body and blood in the bread and the wine, amen)

Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I know, I know – that’s a big bite!

But here’s the thing even though we may have to break it down piece by piece; this chunky nougat has to be seen together for it to be fully appreciated. There’s more to it, but this was the smallest chunk I felt comfortable to share.

Now …

For me, I have to backtrack a little more than a bit in order to get to the chunky nougat. Bear with me – better yet, pray with and for me. The story began before Genesis. When there was only God. Yes, a blueprint was crafted before Creation, carrying the Design for all God created. We messed up and the Master Plan was already in place – God would visit earth to redeem us (ie pay the warranty for us to be received as though we were restored to ‘factory settings’). And God came in human likeness – but as Gods Son – so we could grasp the truth about salvation for ourselves.

Jesus is the embodiment of the Master Plan of Redemption. While revealing His Truth, ie God’s own plans for us; Jesus gave us a major clue about the Salvation Plan. We were given the Sign of Jonah (cf Matthew12; Mark 8): for the sake of the world, Jesus was thrown ‘overboard’ down into Death (the pit) for Three Days, then He returned to earth alive. For Jesus conquered death by dying, then embodying The Resurrection. All part of the Salvation Plan I say.

And therein lies the Mystery. How did a dead human raise himself? Certainly not by human means! Even if He ate of the fruit – both Adam and Eve died. While Enoch and Elijah escaped death, they never saw a grave and would not be able to experience the Resurrection power. I say categorically, Jesus rose because He was wholly God and wholly human! That mystery remains beyond our human understanding.

In fact, the mystery of the Resurrection is what qualifies it as prophetic promise. No one else has done this before Jesus and definitely none since. So when Mary, Mary and company went to the tomb, it should have been with the expectation that He wasn’t there. Jesus had told them so. But, it really was beyond human nature and human comprehension, since no one had done that before!

Imagine how surprised they were, and agitated, to find an empty tomb – was Jesus kidnapped (well dead-napped); had Joseph reneged on His offer; where was Jesus?! And as those things probably raced through their minds, two other-worldly beings literally appeared before the women. I marvel that they didn’t pass out, but then they had a new mission: to find Jesus.

And those men genuinely had the answer: Jesus had risen – in fulfillment of His own prophetic words; just like it had been agreed in the Master plan!

Because He conquered Death, we no longer need to seek the Living among the dead – not Jesus, nor those loved ones of ours who are raised with Him in glory (cf 2 Timothy 2:11; Romans 6:3-11)! This is critical, because it is on the proof of the Resurrection that we believe that other half of the prophetic promise. Remember that New Testament in Jesus’ blood – Yes, the Lord’s Supper, Communion, Eucharist, the Special Passover feast – Jesus’ resurrection is a guarantee for His return. (That’s where the series began).

That night when the Master Plan came to fruition our Redemption blessed the bread and the wine (not the rest of the Seder), offering them to the disciples as the last clue of the Prophetic Promise.

We eat the blessed bread, remembering the Gift of Salvation (the Master Plan). In eating, we also receive the gift of life; we are raised with Jesus. Thank You for the gift of salvation, restoring us to You, may we recognize You as God’s Son in the bread (If you have bread prepared, you may eat).

The wine however, is proof of Death and Jesus transcending Death to seal the covenant – Jesus set the terms, believing that He is The Messiah, and we drink in affirmation of the covenant; and in acceptance of Jesus’ will. Thank You for establishing the new blood covenant that secures our legitimacy as heirs to salvation and eternal life. (If you have wine or juice prepared, you may drink).

Siblings, death is swallowed up in the power of Jesus’ resurrection.

We remember and rejoice, hallelujah! Jesus is risen.

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May all we seek be found in Christ