He Lives!

A man went for a job interview, and during the process of the questioning, the interviewer asked, "If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be?"  The applicant replied, "The living one." 

I doubt he got the job, but I do understand his point. Given the choice between a living dinner guest and a dead one, I think the living one wins every time. 

As Easter Sunday approaches, I think it's still a good time to reflect on the question: "If you could have a relationship with someone who you considered Lord of your life, living or dead, who would it be?" I recommend going with the living one. And, in case you missed the memo, Jesus is still alive! 

Easter is what separates Christianity from all the world religions. Mohammed? Dead.  Buddha? Dead. Abraham? Dead. Any other religious leader or so-called prophet who has come and gone? Dead. But Jesus Christ conquered death and the grave, and He lives. 

I read an account of a Presbyterian pastor named Alfred Ackley who had been trying to win a young Jewish man to Christ back in 1933. The young  man's startling question--"Why should I worship a dead Jew?"--brought forth an immediate reply from Ackley: "He lives."  

Later, when he was reflecting upon that discussion, and his simple, yet profound answer, he penned these words that would become a famous hymn: 

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today,

I know that He is living, whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him, He's always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today,

He walks with me, He talks with me,

Along life's narrow way.

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart,

You ask me how I know He lives:

He lives within my heart.  

I pray that Jesus Christ lives in your heart as well today, and all around see that He is alive through the life you live for Him.  He is risen!  I look forward to seeing you Sunday. 

--Pastor Ken