April 4, 2010
Translated by Lydia Ma

Nobody really knows what transpired inside the tomb on that first Easter Sunday, but everybody agrees that Jesus' resurrection not only conquered death and Satan's power over us, but also transformed our lives. When Jesus rose from the dead, he was no longer bound by space and time. Not only could he walk through locked doors, he could also overcome our fear and our hopelessness with his kindness and forgiveness.

The disciples who fled when Jesus was arrested because they were so frightened were transformed when they met their resurrected Lord. Henceforth, they would become different men and the world would come to know them for their courage and fearlessness whenever and wherever they preached the gospel. Their determination and transformation helped spread the gospel throughout Palestine and to the ends of the earth.

One could say that Jesus' resurrection isn't merely about the mystery of someone rising from the dead. An equally important feat achieved by Jesus' resurrection is transformation and renewal among those who believe. Christ's passion and resurrection offer 3 important lessons for us today:

First, Jesus was sentenced to death not only by the religious authorities of Jerusalem at the time. He was also crucified by all the spiritual powers that rebelled against God and by every person's bitterness, brokenness, and sins. His resurrection meant he'd defeated the oppressive hold these things had over human beings.

Second, Jesus' resurrection meant that those who were oppressed were now free because their lives would be renewed and transformed. Galatians 2:19-20 described it like this: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." In essence, Jesus' death and resurrection means that our old, sinful, corrupt nature has been dealt and done away with, enabling us to embark on a new spiritual journey.

Finally, Jesus' death and resurrection reveals the extent of God's love for humanity, a theme reiterated throughout the Bible. We often wonder how God the Father could've forsaken Jesus, God's beloved son, or how God the Father could've allowed Jesus to suffer such an injustice. In reality, God didn't forsake Jesus, but gave his only son redeem humanity because God loved the world so much. When Jesus' disciples saw their resurrected Lord, their past failures paled in contrast to God's love for them. This love enabled them to overcome their fears, doubts, and sadness and made them brave enough to take on the unfriendly world they'd been commissioned to transform by preaching the gospel.

Many people today also long for this resurrection power to transform and renew their lives. We live in a world of sin that constantly tests our senses, strength, and faith. This past year has been challenging for Taiwan and we're still coping with the consequences of Typhoon Morakot and a disintegrating national autonomy.

Many people here feel there's nothing they can do to turn the tide. But what about churches? Are our churches living out PCT's statement of faith by becoming a sign of hope to this restless generation? Or are our churches not faring much better and feeling equally anxious?

Jesus death and resurrection means believers can experience God's love, and freedom from everything that shackles them. It is our prayer that God, who raised Christ from the dead, will also raise up all those who feel they're stuck in the valley of the shadow of death, so that they can experience love, freedom, and new life.

Taiwan Church News