He Lives

Acts 10:39-41 "And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear.

A simple statement—He Lives—but it holds an eternity of meaning for every person—past, present and future—and, in fact, for the entire universe. The consequence of those two words is almost too much for us to handle, to grasp or to fully understand. Do I believe it? I say I do, but do I live in that belief?

 I once had a monumental event looming on my horizon. I worried, fretted, lost sleep over it and tried everything I could to affect the outcome, but to no avail. It never happened. I believed it would. I acted daily as though it would. But…

 Now, I am given the promise of a monumental event—eternal life with God—sealed with the assurance of its happening by an earth-shattering event which I say I believe when I vow, “on the third day he rose again.” But, God help me, I do not react as though I believe it is true.

Dr. Robert W. Dale, one of Great Britain's leading Congregational pastors and theologians, was one day preparing an Easter sermon when a realization of the risen Lord struck him with new power.

 "Christ is alive!" he said to himself. "Alive - alive - alive!" He paused, and then said, "Can that really be true? Living as really as I myself am?"

 He got up from his desk and began to walk about the study, repeating, "Christ is living! Christ is living!"

 Dr. Dale had known and believed this doctrine for years, but the reality of it overwhelmed him that day. From that time on, "the living Christ" was the theme of his preaching, and he had his congregation sing an Easter hymn every Sunday morning. “I want my people to get hold of the glorious fact that Christ is alive, and to rejoice over it; and Sunday, you know, is the day on which Christ left the dead."

 Historical faith says, "Christ lives!"

 Saving faith says, "Christ lives in me!"

 What do you say? What do you believe?

 What do the words “He Lives” mean to you?