Not long ago, it was a story that captured the attention of, and drew criticism and skepticism from, the Christian world. Purportedly, the bones of Jesus Christ had been found. At least one network news anchor called it possibly the most important story ever.
Don KirklandI had only mild interest in the story then, and none now. I no longer am excited about or distressed over any archaeological find in support of, or contrary to, what I believe as a Christian.
That was not always true. When I was younger, I sometimes feared for my faith. I had a tentative hold on many of my beliefs. My faith was at times affirmed, and at other times questioned, by what I read or heard or thought. And just as importantly, what I experienced.
I cannot tell you today that all of that has changed. Doubt is still a companion on my journey of faith. And not always an unwelcome one. Through doubt, faith can emerge stronger and more certain.
I did not watch the documentary about the alleged discovery of the remains of Jesus. I cannot even remember what I was doing when the documentary was televised. Maybe I was preparing for another weekly Sunday school lesson. Or perhaps working on the study on Galatians that I would soon begin at my church. First things first, you know.
Scholarship which engages humbly in a search for truth in any field gets my support every time. Christians have nothing to fear from what is true. Truth has its origin in God himself.
Truth is no threat to faith. Ignorance is more damaging. And more dangerous.
A philosophy professor at a major university in the Southwest was asked in an interview, “How long do you believe that Christianity will last?” His reply was insightful. “As long as God wants it to,” he answered.
You and I are incapable of saving or destroying Christianity. It is out of our hands. It is, as many say today, a “God thing.”
You and I will be judged by how we faithfully we lived our Christianity, not by how vigorously we defended it by words alone.
Sunday is Easter. We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. In that singular event, Jesus defeated death and all the forces of evil. As believers, we share in that victory. There is nothing left to fear in life here or life in the hereafter.
It is not enough for you and me to affirm that Christ lives. Not at Easter. Not at anytime. More is demanded. Much more. At Easter, our faith is given validity in what Jesus did. Throughout the year, that same faith achieves credibility in the world by what we as Christians do.
Our love for Christ and his church reaches its emotional peak during the Easter season. We give proof of that love in only one way: obedience to the commands of our Lord.
Jesus took a heavy load off the backs of believers while assigning us a difficult task when he issued his Great Commandment containing two equal parts: Love God with all of your being, and love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.
Do you really believe that Jesus is alive? That he is in the world today? That he is an abiding presence in the lives of his children? That through the strength he gives us, we can do everything he requires of us? Then do more than believe it. Live it. Live the resurrection life.