S - “Or
else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood
before the council, other than this one thing that I cried out while standing
among them: 'It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on
trial before you this day.'” Acts 24:20-21 ESV
O - In these words spoken by Paul to Felix the
crux of the conflict is articulated. This point of intense dispute will be
restated in the trials before Festus (Acts 25) and then Agrippa (Acts 26). The issue is the person of Jesus and his
resurrection from the dead. Please note the issue is NOT the office of Christ
and the crucifixion. The concept of an anointed/blessed one (Christ) and a
sacrificial death (crucifixion) is readily accepted by the religious and the
secular. The person and resurrection of Jesus is the collision of heaven and
earth; making this clash inevitable because the Kingdom of Heaven is near, not
far away.
A -
The trial of the resurrected Jesus is also conducted in me day by day. It's not
about the facts but the application of them. Will I live today in reliance on
the person and presence of Jesus or relegate him to an historic past with
little effect on this day until "this day" is the day I die? Is my
thinking being transformed according to resurrection life and living in the
here and now? Paul's question before
Agrippa remains essential: “Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God
raises the dead?” Acts 26:8 ESV
P -
Jesus,
You are the resurrection and the life;
today and every day unto the ages to come. I admit the need for continuing
change in my thinking, speaking, loving and living. I welcome the collision of
your irrepressible life with/in my little earthly one. Thank you for wanting
us; for loving us first and most and for refusing to change your mind.
Grateful for the nearness of your kingdom,
Steve
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