And as they spake unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they taught the people and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Acts 4:1-2
There is so much effort these days to avoid offending everybody and anybody but Christians. The word ‘Christmas’ is being expunged from the language in favour of the less offensive (or so they think) term ‘Holiday’. The Bible, whose teachings have shaped all that is good about our western way of life, is being thrust aside in favour of more ‘inclusive’ writings such as the philosophies of godless philosophers and the rantings of Mohammed in his Koran. An American high school killed the microphone during a valedictorian speech by a young woman who told how her faith in Christ played a huge role in her success as a student. Did you ever notice how opponents of the Lord Jesus can always find something about the Gospel that offends them? Like the Sadducees, when they found the Gospel being preached in the temple: they objected to any reference to the resurrection.
During his message in the temple, Peter made no bones about the resurrection. He clearly proclaimed that Jesus was raised from the dead. And we know that, because He lives in the power of an endless life, we live also. If Christ be not raised, then is our faith in vain. The resurrection is the proof of God’s acceptance of the Lamb of God as our sacrifice. It is also the proof that we have eternal life. But it offends those who reject and despise the Lord Jesus. They can’t stand it, because they don’t have any hope. Their denial of God and His Son leaves them with no hope, no peace, no purpose beyond hand-to-mouth existence, no comfort in time of trouble, no satisfaction beyond a momentary pat on the back. All the joys and wonders of God’s salvation are beyond their grasp. So they are grieved at any mention of the resurrection.
What does the resurrection mean to us today? Yes, it means we have a home in heaven when we die, or when the Lord returns for us. But does it not mean something that we can take courage and comfort in every hour of every day? Does it not mean that our life here can be filled with the joy and peace of knowing our Saviour? Does it not mean that even if life here has more than its share of sorrows and trouble, we have a rest and a comfort coming that transcends any blessings of this earthly life.
As the resurrection grieves the enemies of the Cross, let it fill us with joyous anticipation and satisfaction. -Jim MacIntosh