Happy Monday! It’s the first morning after Jesus’
Resurrection. This morning I am really asking, “How has Jesus’ resurrection
changed your life?”
I’m expecting all the “regular” answers; the “church”
answers; the answers we all think Pastor wants to hear so he knows we are
paying attention; the answers that will make us look like good little church
going boys and girls.
Perhaps the better question is not, “HOW” Jesus has
changed your life. The harder, more direct question is, “Has Jesus Changed your
life?” Have you let him? Has the power of Jesus' death burial and resurrection impacted
your life? Those can be hard questions. But, my friends, it’s not rocket
science.
First and most importantly, Jesus died, was buried, and
rose from the dead to change your life. Paul says, “The old me is crucified
with Christ, dead and buried with Christ. It’s not me who lives now but Jesus
who lives IN me. I live by faith in the ONE who died and gave himself for me!”
It’s. Not. Rocket. Science.
I’ve read what Jesus has said about many things. He is on
point with EVERYTHING he said. He knows what He is talking about! One verse has
stood out more recently with me. I have discussed this with some of my friends.
I’ve gained a new perspective on what Jesus was trying to say. In the King
James Version Matthew 6:33 says: “But seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto
you.” What is Jesus really saying? The language is confusing, and what
exactly is being added? But Jesus is very clear in His message to us.
If you break it down, Jesus is saying if
He has changed our life, we will want to do things God’s way and if we do
things God’s way we don’t need to worry about any bad consequences or results.
He will add His blessing, His grace, His glory. In other words, doing things
right, in God’s way, opens the door for Him to show His grace and righteousness
through you and me.
Before making any decision, if we look
for ways to build God’s kingdom and not out own, and look for ways to expand God’s
righteousness, we are living according to God ‘s plan and not our own. Then
with that in place, God is now able to use our life to show Himself in all areas
of our own communities. If Jesus’ resurrection has changed us, then we are able
to impact more than our own life. We are able to have an impact in this world.
Let’s wake up. Let’s grow up. Stop the
fighting. Stop the gossiping. Stop the “he said, she said.” Stop the talking
bad about each other. Change your attitude.
If we truly want to see God moving, let the
message of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection show in your life. Do it right
the first time. Build God’s Kingdom not your own kingdom. Then, and only then,
when God is first in our life, will He be able to show the power of the resurrection.
It’s not rocket science.
