Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised up from the dead according to my Gospel. 2 Timothy 2:8
The experts tell us that the two most depressing times are Mondays and the middle of winter. Well, that’s what we have today, a Monday in the middle of winter. With Mondays, some people are discouraged that they have a whole week before them before the relaxation of a weekend. With the middle of winter, some people get discouraged that there are weeks of cold and snow before them, without even the break of a winter holiday until Easter. So if you are feeling that it is a glum day at a glum time of the year, consider our text. These are the words that Paul uses to lift the spirits of Timothy, as he encourages him to faithful service for his Lord. Paul declares that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a critical component of the Gospel. And it goes far beyond the Gospel itself, and becomes the spark plug that ignites the fire of service and devotion for all who have believed the Gospel.
Without the resurrection, there is no Gospel, because there is no assurance of a Saviour to overcome the power of sin and death. If the resurrection is the proof of the power of the Gospel to save our souls, it is also the proof of the power of God to enable us to live lives of victory in this world. As the world around us rushes on to judgment, and as death claims all of those around us, we can rejoice that we are not confined to this world, nor are we numbered with those who have nothing but death to anticipate. Yes, our bodies are dying, and may well become business for an undertaker, but our souls are freed from the second death, and our spirits are lifted above the deadly employment of this world into the living and thriving atmosphere of the knowledge of God and devotion to His glory. All because of the resurrection.
Even on a gloomy Monday, we can give thanks that the Lord Jesus rose from the dead, and that the power of His endless life is conferred on us. The Monday is a reminder of the endless futility of the labour of this world. But the resurrection is a reminder of the eternal deliverance from earth’s bondage and the eternal promise of rest. Even in the middle of winter’s cold and death, we can give thanks that the Lord Jesus rose from the dead, and through Him we are translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son.
No truth that we treasure from God is so refreshing, so empowering, so uplifting as the glorious truth of the resurrection. This is a good day to appreciate it. – Jim MacIntosh