Resurrection Reality

Psalm 16      Luke 23: 50 - 24: 12

1. Light in dark places
2. Expecting the unexpected
3. Receiving resurrection reality

Often, on closer inspection, light shines in dark places. things are not always as black as they first seem.

In today's passage there is an astonishing turn around in a small depleted community of believers. In one sense things seemed hopeless.

Most alarmingly Jesus of Nazareth had been crucified, facing a savage and crushing blow.

"When all the people who had gathered to witness the sight saw what took place they beat their breasts and went away". There was terrible distress and intense weeping in great distress. it looked entirely hopeless.

However, we read on, seeing that a small band remained, including the women who had followed and supported Him. Some kindling of kindness and courage continued.

What this embattled community was to discover would turn around world history itself. it was not the case that the cause was lost or that hope was gone.

Resurrection reality was to emerge. There were stirrings in the tomb. It now became a matter of accepting the new reality of of the arrival of a whole new kingdom in and through the crucified, buried Jesus who is risen from the dead on the third day and He is now Lord!

This resurrection reality is where we now are as a community of believers. It may be that we seem embattled and despised, but look at the way things are turned around.

"For, if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His....Now, if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him". (Romans 6: 5,8)

This risen Christ is now ascended as Lord and Saviour. " Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God". (Colossians 3: 1)