The Pause Button

What would have happened if the 3000 people who witnessed the crucifixion had hit the "pause button" on Good Friday. It seemed clear that Jesus was gone. He had died on the cross. The disciples and all the people who had witnessed the crucifixion had been disappointed in the tragic ending. Not a single person had any hope that Jesus would rise on the third day, and the God they had hope in remained still and silent. People in despair went quietly to their homes to regroup and mourn some angry how Jesus had disappointed them and left them without hope.

Can you imagine the outcome of the Christian faith if the followers had not listened to Peter as he spoke of the significance of the Risen Lord and the end of the story would have been written on Good Friday? Did you ever think about the countless people today who believe the story did end on Good Friday? They pattern their lives without faith or hope aimlessly. You read on the front page of the newspaper and magazines (Newsweek's most recent cover - "The Decline and Fall of the Christian Faith"). What circumstances today mirror the disappointment and feeling of hopelessness that the followers of Jesus felt to the extent people have hit the "pause button" and ended the story before we have given God the chance to do HIS work in our lives?

There was and is no pause button in this story-- Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed. The third day came and the promise of the Father was delivered. All debts have been paid and the celebration is available for all who seek Him. (Acts 2:32-33,37-39) God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses to this fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. "Brother and sisters what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call."