Nougat 4

It began like a murder mystery – but the strange bit was that the death had already happened; and very publicly. It was perhaps the “Case of the Missing Body” – Who had removed Jesus’ body from the tomb?! Talk about compounding indignity:

First, they betrayed and arrested the Messiah;

Next they had a rushed and public trial where they framed Him;

He was whipped and humiliated during the farce;

But worst of all, the public insisted on His death by Crucifixion – the most gruesome, public form of totalitarian execution.

And then … His body went missing from the tomb; What next?

Today’s Holy Nougat invites us to ponder the Mystery and Glory of the Resurrection.

“So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus … 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? … But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it.” Luke‬ ‭24:3, 5, 11‬ ‭NLT‬

Part of the mystery of the Resurrection lies in the fact that to this date many have not experienced its Truth. It sounds like nonsense to some. For while the Fact of the Resurrection is perhaps the main distinction of belief in Jesus’ divinity; the literal bodily resurrection is a stumbling block to many (including some who confess Jesus as Christ).

Maybe we (actually they) are still stuck at the tomb. But the story didn’t end there –

if it did; this Faith we profess is in vain. Rather, God’s messenger once again arrived, this time confirming that Jesus was NOT among the Dead, and that the Prophecies had been fulfilled – for Jesus was ALIVE. He wasn’t a ghost; but had returned as proof of God’s power and glory.

Glory, for it is the marked difference between Jesus and other prophets and faith healers – He restored himself from death back to life so we who believe (You and I) May enjoy the benefits of Life beyond This Life!!!!

So here’s the 3-part question for each of us

• Do we believe in the Resurrection of Jesus?

• Why do we believe?

• And what will we do about/with our beliefs?

May God’s Spirit guide us as we contemplate our response to the Resurrection.

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May all we seek be found in Christ