S - "Not long before the Jewish festival of Passover, Jesus
went to Jerusalem. There he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves in
the temple. He also saw moneychangers sitting at their tables. So he took some
rope and made a whip. Then he chased everyone out of the temple, together with
their sheep and cattle. He turned over the tables of the moneychangers and
scattered their coins. Jesus said to the people who had been selling doves,
“Get those doves out of here! Don't make my Father's house a marketplace.” The
followers then remembered that the Scriptures say, “My love for your house
burns in me like a fire.” The Jews asked Jesus, “What miracle will you work to
show us why you have done this?” “Destroy this temple,” Jesus answered, “and in
three days I will build it again!” The Jews replied, “It took 46 years to build
this temple. What makes you think you can rebuild it in three days?” But Jesus
was talking about his body as a temple. And when he was raised from death, his
followers remembered what he had told them. Then they believed the Scriptures
and the words of Jesus." John 2 TS
O -
As recorded above, Jesus will be asked on several occasions to give a proof of
his actions and words (cf. Matthew 12:38-41; Luke 11:39-40). He is always asked this by religious people
and most often by religious leaders. His answer is always the same. He will say it in a couple of different ways
but the conclusion, the sign, the miracle he identifies is always the same --
resurrection. This alone distinguishes
Jesus from all others. Resurrection life
is the only life he has. It did not
start after his crucifixion. Jesus
plainly tells the sisters of Lazarus (and us all) that he is the resurrection
and life; and then underscored this reality by raising their brother from the
dead (cf. John 11). Why is Jesus above
all other teachers, prophets, leaders and humans? Because he is the only one
who got up from the dead to die no more.
Resurrection is not only the only sign he gives, it's the only life he
gives to any and to all who will follow.
A -
Just like resurrection life wasn't something that "started" after
Jesus was crucified, it's not a reality reserved for the next age of human
existence. The fullness of resurrection life may be waiting but it's nearness,
affects and beauty began with his days on earth and continue to this very
day. From our daily bread to conflicts
with demons, resurrection life is ready to be revealed … to us, in us and even
through us. Heaven's authority is a
person who is resurrection life. It's
not how religion works but it is how God's Kingdom works. I accept the person and authority of
Jesus. Whenever my thoughts or conclusions
differ from his -- I'll change them and bring my thinking, living, loving and
speaking into alignment with him who is life.
Religion taught me that Jesus was amazing 2,000 years ago. Heaven is
teaching me that he was amazing 2,000 years ago and is just as amazing
today.
P -
You who are the resurrection and the life,
I accept you, your life, authority and
leadership day by day. You lead and I
follow. With your first followers, I
will believe your words and the Scriptures … remembering that they testify of
you so I will come to you for life.
Yes to you,
Steve
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