CSI JERUSALEM 3

Some have questioned whether Jesus really died on the cross. Anyone familiar with Roman crucifixion would have no question. The lashing that Jesus received often killed people itself. The spear in the side, as Jesus hung on the cross removed all doubt. That a severely wounded man could have rolled the stone away is preposterous!

Something powerful had to have happened in Jerusalem two millennia ago. From a small band of frightened disciples, to a robust, functioning church numbering in the thousands in a matter of days is a miracle in itself. In the profundity of John Madden, "Boom," you have a church! It, indeed, was a big bang that changed the world. Legend and myth do not have opportunity to grow with this speed in a hostile environment like Jerusalem, where the church had its beginning. The Apostle Paul, writing within a few years of the resurrection said, "Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep" (I Corinthians 15:6). Paul, by implication, invited anyone who wanted to check out his story with one of the eyewitnesses to do it.

So, we can sing, with apologies to Martina McBride, "Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing, let the whole world know that today is the day of reckoning....roll the stone away, its Resurrection Day!!"

Grace & Peace;
Tom