Ron Aulbach

We live in a world that kicks the tar out of us.  Cancer, car accidents, suicide, nightly news, a garage full of cats – events and circumstances that just seem overwhelming, we wonder if we will ever get through it.  Where do you turn for hope?  It’s time to resurrect hope and that only happens with the events of Easter.  This Easter feels different to me. Maybe it’s the year I’ve come through, or the new life God has breathed into me, but this Easter I find myself wanting to run ahead to the empty tomb and the hope that it gives.  So, each day I plan to reflect on a great scripture that points to the hope of Easter.

“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14

Belief is a powerful thing.   I believe the Tigers are going to have a great year, maybe even win the World Series.  The city of Detroit believes it, and so does it’s owner.  That’s the reason the organization invested millions of dollars in high caliber athletes and notable super stars.  For the Tiger fans, their management has staked their reputation, jobs, maybe even their lives on it!

What “beliefs” are you willing to stake your life on? Paul was writing a highly skeptical group of people in Thessolonica, so he wanted to make it crystal clear what they needed to believe.  Simply put, Jesus died and rose again.  That’s a pretty incredible statement.  But Paul didn’t get technical and count the days or what caused Jesus death.  He died and he rose again.  Shouldn’t we argue about that? Debate the historical facts? Nope, Paul gave them the short answer, because it was the best.

This Easter, start by believing again.  To marvel in the death and resurrection that changed everything.  This verse has a strange phrase referring to those who have “fallen asleep.” Don’t confuse that with a nap. Fallen asleep was just nicer then saying ‘six feet under.’  When you believe that Jesus died and rose, you are believing that God will do the same for you. I told you belief was a powerful thing.  In the words of the great prophet, Journey, “Don’t stop believin’…”

It’s a simple message that has tripped many people up.  Culture, skeptics and especially the enemy, want to make it much more complicated.  Don’t let them.  Keep it simple. Sometimes the best answer IS the most obvious.  I want to encourage you as we journey towards Easter that you resurrect hope, that you begin with this verse.  Just believe, Jesus died and rose for you!