Happy Resurrection Day!
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central point of His life and ministry. His words and actions have meaning because He has resurrected from the dead. The key to understanding all that is written in the Gospels, and the whole Bible as well, is the resurrection of Jesus.
One of the things that Jesus has brought to us through His resurrection is on having a meaningful life. What kind of LIFE is this?
L – Living in the light and not in the darkness.
In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The resurrection of Jesus validated these words of Jesus, and therefore we can live a life that is not in darkness anymore.
Paul affirms this by reminding us to be children of light – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” Ephesians 5:8-9.
I – Inspiring people.
The disciples were dejected after the death of Jesus. They were in hiding. Suddenly, when Jesus appeared to them, their lives were transformed. They became courageous and full of hope. They inspired people, and literally, thousands accepted the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.
We, too, who have received Jesus Christ must inspire people. The world around us needs a lot of inspiration as continue to face the pandemic. We need Christians that instill hope, instead of fear.
F – Following the commands of Jesus.
The commands of Jesus in the Gospels are very difficult to follow. It requires us to deny ourselves, pick up a cross and follow the will of God. If Jesus has not resurrected from the dead, there is no point in following His commands. But since the tomb cannot hold Jesus, His commands become authoritative and need to be obeyed no matter what the cost.
E – Enjoying salvation.
In 1 Peter 1:8-9, the apostle is reminding us to experience this glorious joy because we have received the gift of salvation. He wrote, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
May we all have this kind of LIFE empowered by the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director
Office of Communications
Central Philippine University