As I was drifting off to sleep last night, I murmured, “I believe in the resurrection.”
Roy, woken up, said, amused, “I am glad to hear it!”
* * *
I was thinking of this passage I had recently read in Diarmaid MacCulloch’s magisterial, A History of Christianity.
Christianity is, at root, a personality cult. Its central message is the story of a person, Jesus, whom Christians believe is the Christ (from a Greek word, meaning Anointed One): the God who was, is and ever shall be, yet who is at the same time a human being, set in historic time.
Christians believe that they can still meet this human being in a fashion comparable to the experience of the disciples who walked with him in Galilee, and saw him die on the cross. They are convinced that this meeting transforms lives—as has been evident in the experiences of other Christians across the centuries.
For me, that’s the ultimate proof of the resurrection—that Jesus is as real to me as anyone I know. Realer, perhaps, because I feel I know him better than most people I know.
* * *
The pastor of my old church, Williamsburg Community Chapel, Virginia, Bill Warrick, said he asked a Young Life mentee, “If you could speak to Jesus, and be answered, would you believe?” The young man replied (this was the American South), “Oh yes, Sir, that would be the ultimate extra-terrestrial experience!”
Indeed, prayer, asking Jesus how to do things–whether it’s home-managing suff, or business stuff, or writing, or blogging, or even Twitter!!—and receiving surprising and brilliant answers…yes, that’s the ultimate extra-terrestrial experience.
* * *
American Bible teacher Beth Moore was asked, “How do you know that Christ is real?” She replied, “If he wasn’t, then I must be crazy, because I talk to him all the time, and he answers.”
It’s one proof, to me, that Christ is real and alive. I feel I can ask him questions, and get an answer.
I can ask him how to do things, or what to do, and clarity comes, and, often, insight and a Gordian-knot-cutting to the heart of the problem, that comes from beyond myself, from beyond my radar, my intelligence, or the way I normally think.
Of course, if researchers track creative people who meditate, they might come across similar answers surfacing from the unconscious. Whole mathematical careers, for instance, Ramanujan’s, have been built on these heuristic insights. (Interestingly, Ramanujan claimed he received his mathematical insights in prayer and meditation).
What is more amazing, perhaps, is when prayer changes things outside yourself—other people’s hearts; external events; the acceleration of a career; how co-incidences accumulate when one prays, Berlin walls topple, glasnost occurs, in our lives and in the world.
* * *
Ultimately, I believe in the resurrection because to me Christ is so real that I can often “see” him with the eyes of faith. Because, on request, he can turn my moods around, and fill my heart with joy.
Because he answers my prayers, in the micro-level of my mind, heart and spirit, and on the macro-level by orchestrating events which I am powerless to.
* * *
John’s proof of the reality of Jesus was that he had seen him: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it. (1 John 1).
I believe in the resurrection because I have experienced Jesus, and He has changed the deep structure of my mind, heart and spirit on a molecular level, as he changed water to wine; fed 5000 with 5 loaves; made water as solid as earth and walked on it; and resurrected the dead body of Lazarus—and then his own.
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Sherrey Meyer says
If I have experienced His presence in my life, in His answers to my prayers, His responses in conversation, and in a myriad of other ways, I destroy it all if I do not believe in the Resurrection. Thanks for a wonderful post to begin this new year.
Anita Mathias says
Sherry, thank you!
Kathy says
Your article came at the time when I was questioning the Lord about what to do as far as a weight loss program. Then I read your words, “It’s one proof,to me, that Christ is real and alive. I feel I can ask Him questions and get an answer.”
I felt the epiphany as this is exactly what happened in my case. I asked the Lord for a way to lose weight and He answered by putting a program online that will be Bible-based and bring spiritual food for my soul and keep me from craving unhealthy foods. This kind of experience keeps me grounded and assured of the Lord’s reality in my life. Your personal experiences re-enforced my faith in trusting the Lord to continue His good work within me.
Anita Mathias says
Thanks, Kathy. Which program was it?
Rick Warren’s The Daniel Plan is nutritionally and spiritually sound, and will work for sure.
Blessings,
Anita
Kathy says
The program is called, Made to Crave, by Lysa Terkurst from Proverbs 31 Ministry. She wrote a book about how to actively seek the Lord first before she was consumed by her desire for food and sugar laden goodies. I haven’t read her book but she is offering the course this month that coordinates with her book title. I’m praying the Lord would reveal how to live without dependence on sugar and sweets to give me energy.
Kathy says
Here is more information on this program offered by Proverbs 31 Ministry. (I also purchased The Daniel Plan and intend to read and incorporate its suggestions as well).
Next Study: Made to Crave
Join the next Proverbs 31 Ministries online Bible study, Made to Crave, and you will:
Break the cycle of “I’ll start again on Monday,” and feel good about yourself today.
Stop agonizing over the numbers on the scale and make peace with your body.
Replace rationalizations that lead to failure with wisdom that leads to victory.
Reach your healthy goals and grow closer to God in the process.
Made to Crave
Each Proverbs 31 Ministries online Bible study offers real hope for real life. It’s flexible to fit any schedule and is perfect for anyone who can’t attend a regular group. Our community is focused on study, but we also have lots of fun! You will receive daily encouragement and prayer as a part of this active community at Proverbs 31 Ministries. Your life is crazy, your Bible study doesn’t have to be.
January 19th – March 1st
Go to the Study Blog
Sign Up
Buy Study Material
Anita Mathias says
Thanks, I’ve just signed up too. Let’s hope i have the time to read the book, and do the study!!
Thanks Kathy
Anita Mathias says
My day 2 sugar-free. It takes 3-4 days to get it out of my system. But the first days are so hard!! 🙂