Easter 2024: Resurrection Confidence

Colossians 1:28 (NIV) "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ." 

"As wisdom was the primary possession of God, so too it was reflected in the life and ministry of Jesus. Jesus, during the years of his growth, reflected in his life the increase of wisdom (Lk 2:40, 52). His opponents, as well as his friends, recognized the wisdom in his teaching (Mt 13:54). Paul indicates that the wisdom of God is somehow intimately related to the death and resurrection of Jesus." [1]

Resurrection Confidence

Christ's resurrection gives us confidence. Paul says, 58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves entirely to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58.  

Your life is no longer in vain because you share Christ's victory. In Christ's victory, you can be immovable. No danger can dissolve you into a puddle of fear. No doubt can distract you from Christ's work. Not even death itself can defeat you. 

No matter what happens, you stand firm.

Your future stands secure. When your body fails, when you lose your job, when it seems like nothing is working right, when a loved one dies, you stand firm, immovable, because you have total confidence about your victory in Jesus Christ. You will live forever in an imperishable, immortal, glorious body, just like Jesus.

Because of the resurrection, you can give yourself entirely to the Lord's work. The Lord's work includes whatever we do in the name of Jesus Christ, including what we do in our jobs, schools, homes, and recreation. More specifically, we do the work of the Lord when we bring the message about Jesus Christ to the world as his ambassadors. We get to share the victory, the gospel, the great news that death is defeated, that you too can live forever in an immortal body. Your life matters. 

No matter what happens or does not happen in this life, you know you can count on the Lord's ultimate victory. In this short life, your efforts might seem useless, but in eternity, they matter forever. Christ's resurrection fills you with confident courage to give yourself entirely to the Lord no matter what setbacks you face today because you have victory in Christ. Christ is risen! 

 [1] Elwell, Walter A., and Barry J. Beitzel. "Wisdom, Wisdom Literature." Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible 1988: 2153. Print.