SCRIPTURE
"I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection." (Acts 23:6)
OBSERVATION
Paul was on trial before the Sanhedrin (these guys had a way of dragging the apostles in for a court session). His audience was theologically diverse. The Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection, angels, nor spirits. The Pharisees, on the other hand, believed in all of these things. It comes as no surprise then that a dispute broke out among them because Paul was talking about a controversial topic, to the Sadducees at least, which was the resurrection of Jesus. The dispute became so violent the commander put him in the barracks for his own protection. Ironically, the following night Jesus stood near Paul and told him to have courage. The very reason the fight broke out was because some did not believe in the resurrection and here is Jesus, alive, encouraging Paul in his cell.
Paul's hope was real because he had seen the risen Jesus. He knew what he was teaching and believed it with every fiber of his being. The resurrection proved to be the focal point of Paul's faith. It is what gave him courage to face opposition and hope for the future.
APPLICATION
Do I really live like Jesus is alive? Like Paul, my faith needs to rest on the resurrection of Jesus. Everything hinges on that one event in history. Hope, courage, and the story of Jesus are validated by the fact that he is alive. Everyday can be different when I'm aware that Jesus is part of my daily experience. He is the constant companion as I journey through life. Mountains and valleys are not the same because he goes with me. In the end, he is all that matters. My life is standing on a hole in the ground. It just happens to be empty.
PRAYER
Lord, I desire to walk in constant awareness of the presence of the resurrected Christ in my life.
