3 Points to Ponder
- “If you believe in Christ, we remember the cross, yes, but we live as empty tomb people. In your spirit, are you living as a person carrying a cross or the joy of an empty tomb?”
- “Death stops us in our tracks and stirs all kinds of emotion in our souls. What if it didn’t take something as tragic as a death for us to stop and question the state of our soul? What would that look like for you?”
- “It is from the ashes, God brings life. It is hard to remember this during the fire as it is so painful. What fires are in your life right now, where God might be working to bring new life? Do you trust this promise?”
2 Quotes to Share
“The question of Heaven, the question of what happens after death, is one which a lot of people in our culture try to put off as long as they can, but sooner or later it suddenly swings around and looks them in the eye.” -N.T. Wright
“Every man dies, not every man really lives.” -William Wallace, Braveheart
1 Story of Impact
In the last three months, I’ve buried two close relatives — my father and my aunt. As I’ve gotten older, death hits me very differently than when I was younger. So many questions come rising up. Why is death necessary? What memories do I hold? How will my life change? Who is all coming to say goodbye? And, while I’m being honest, those questions get redirected back to my own life and thinking through my own death. Right now, I hold this reality of death’s sting and the ache in my soul in light of Holy Week. For it is this week Christ chose to walk to Golgatha, completely on his own terms as an innocent man, to hang on a tree in a violent death. He did this not for Himself, but for me. And you. Because three days later, He rose from the grave to overcome sin and death forever. I have no idea if you believe this or not, but I do. And because of this, it changes everything for me. It impacts me deeper than anything else in my life, and I can’t be the same person. Everyone will deal with death at some point in their lives. It is inescapable, so each needs to know where they stand. It is overwhelming to figure it out in the moment. If you have questions about faith, ask your questions. There isn’t a better week to do so. And for those who have chosen to put their faith in the Risen Jesus, take heart, for He has overcome this world. Mourn His death and embrace the great tragedy He bore for each of us. At the same time, the tomb is empty, and He is no longer in the grave. Live a life worthy of this amazing gift.
