[audio mp3="https://pointofgracechurch.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/why-give-day-12-we-give-the-gift-of-christs-resurrection.mp3"][/audio]
John 11:25-26 (NIV)
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Today’s meditation points us to the promise, hope and comfort of Christ’s resurrection. It is the incredible gift each of us receives when, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we put our faith and trust in Jesus. It is a gift that each one of us has the privilege of giving to others.
I was touched by the two stories that were shared in today’s meditation. The faith of the little boy who was confident that his sister was in heaven and the dying Indian boy who was ready to occupy the ‘mansion’ that he knew awaited him after death, helped me to understand how God enables us share His resurrection gift.
The stories brought to mind an incident that Sally and I experienced when our son Tim was a small boy. He developed a rather severe case of pneumonia and the antibiotic prescribed was taking a long time to eradicate the bug. The doctor suggested that some inhalation therapy might be the boost needed to restore his health. We took his advice and scheduled a session for the following morning.
Sally was in tears as she drove Tim to the hospital for the treatment. As they approached the hospital Tim asked, “Are they going to do the treatment before or after I die?”
The incident came to mind this morning as I reflected on today’s meditation. Tim’s question helped me to understand two things about possessing and sharing the gift of resurrection. First, when the gift of the resurrection has been received it produces a peace about death. Tim was more concerned about the treatment than about dying. Second, when the gift of the resurrection has been received, sharing it with others is often an unconscious, spontaneous and effortless activity.
Lord, thank you for the gift of resurrection and for the peace that it gives. Provide us with opportunities to share your gift with others as we live out our lives. Amen
jhf