ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9 NLT).
Meet Sarah, a young woman who grew up attending church and hearing about the resurrection of Jesus from a young age. Like many, she accepted it as a fact of her faith but had never fully grasped its profound implications for her life.
One Easter Sunday, Sarah found herself reflecting on the familiar story of Jesus’ resurrection. As she listened to the pastor recount the events leading up to that miraculous morning, something stirred within her. It wasn’t just the retelling of a historical event; it was an invitation to experience resurrection life here and now.
For Sarah, the resurrection had always been a distant reality, something she acknowledged but never fully embraced. But as she sat in the pew that morning, she realized that Jesus’ resurrection wasn’t just about life after death; it was about life abundant and victorious in the present.
As the pastor read from 1 Corinthians 15, Sarah’s heart began to open to the possibility of a deeper, more vibrant faith. The words echoed in her mind: “Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.”
Suddenly, Sarah understood that the resurrection wasn’t merely a historical fact but a living reality that demanded a response. It was an invitation to leave behind her nominal faith and embrace a radical life-transforming relationship with Jesus.
In the days and weeks that followed, Sarah’s faith began to take on new meaning. She no longer saw herself as a passive believer but as a participant in the resurrection life of Christ. She discovered that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead was available to her, empowering her to live victoriously over sin and fear.
Sarah’s journey from nominal belief to radical faith offers valuable insights for us today. Firstly, she made a conscious decision to surrender her life daily to Jesus. This practice wasn’t just a one-time event but a continual yielding of her will to God’s leading. By starting each day with this act of surrender, Sarah found herself more attuned to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and experienced greater peace and joy in her daily life.
Secondly, Sarah recognized the importance of intentional community in her faith journey. She sought out fellow believers who shared her desire for a deeper walk with God. These relationships provided encouragement, accountability, and support as they journeyed together in faith. By surrounding herself with like-minded individuals, Sarah strengthened her resolve and grew deeper in her relationship with Jesus.
Finally, Sarah lived out the love of Christ in practical ways. Inspired by Jesus’ example of sacrificial love, she looked for opportunities to serve others selflessly. Whether it was volunteering her time at a local charity or simply lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, Sarah embraced opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s love in tangible ways. Through these acts of service, she found fulfillment and purpose in living out her faith.
In conclusion, Sarah’s story challenges us to move beyond mere belief and embrace a radical, transformative faith in Jesus. Like Sarah, let us daily surrender our lives to Christ, seek out community with fellow believers, and actively demonstrate Christ’s love in our interactions with others. As we do so, may we experience the fullness of resurrection life and become living testimonies to the power of Jesus’ resurrection in our lives.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
The resurrection of Jesus invites us to move from nominal belief to radical faith, embracing the transformative power of His resurrection in our lives.PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the gift of resurrection life in Jesus Christ. Help us to move beyond mere belief and embrace a radical faith that transforms us from the inside out. Amen.