Journey To The ResurrectionSample

So many Americans live as though Jesus were dead. 

If they attend church services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, it's only to honor a tradition, to observe a holiday. Over the past several days, we've discovered reasons why Jesus died. Tomorrow, we’ll see why His resurrection still matters.

Now, here's the decision: Will you live today as though Jesus is alive? 

Will you make His word the indispensable guide to your life and decisions? 

Will you worship and work for Jesus in gratitude for the paradise that awaits you on the other side of the grave?

When I read this story, it seemed appropriate for Holy Week:

It was a beautiful spring day in Milwaukee, and a sense of peace stayed with me as I left the cathedral on the Monday morning after Easter. I paused for a moment on top of the steps leading to the avenue, now crowded with people rushing to their jobs. Sitting in her usual place inside a small archway was the old flower lady. At her feet, corsages and boutonnieres were placed for sale.

The flower lady was smiling, her wrinkled old face alive with some inner joy. I started down the stairs—then, on an impulse, turned and picked out a flower. As I put it in my lapel, I said, “You look happy this morning.”

"Why not? Everything is good.” She was dressed so shabbily and seemed so old that her reply startled me. 

“You've been sitting here for many years now, haven't you? And always smiling. You wear your troubles well.” 

“You can't reach my age and not have troubles,” she replied. “Only it's like Jesus and Good Friday. . . .” She paused for a moment.

"Yes?” I prompted. 

“Well, when Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, that was the worst day for the whole world. And when I get troubles, I remember that. And then I think of what happened only three days later—Easter and our Lord arising. So when I get troubles, I've learned to wait three days. Somehow, everything gets all right again.”