“When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” Acts 17:32
Easter is a big deal.
The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the foundational truth of our faith. As Christians, we firmly believe that Jesus is ALIVE. Frankly, if he isn’t than we’re all in a heap of trouble. 1 Corinthians 15:17 echoes this: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.”
However, verse 20 goes on to affirm, “But in FACT Christ has been raised from the dead…”
Someone say Amen.
Obviously, not everyone would affirm this truth. Acts 17:32 says that a few that heard about the resurrection sneered and mocked. Understandably, everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and opinions. Unfortunately, this is a big one to mock and reject.
Each Easter season the church I pastor mails out a bulk invitation to our community with our special weekend service times. Because we purchase the entire mailing list for particular zip codes, we have no control on who receives our mailing. Therefore, each year we get a number of calls from folks that “would like to be removed from our mailing list.” That’s easier said than done. To be removed from that list would mean they wouldn’t get other mailings such as grocery store coupons, political advertisements and such (on second thought, that sounds like a list I’d like to be off as well!).
So, each year the calls come in. This last week a gal left a not-so-kind voicemail for us. She gave us her name (most don’t), her full address, and an additional message for our listening pleasure. The loud and angry message said this, and I quote: “Jesus is NOT alive. He is DEAD. He has always been dead. He has never been alive, so STOP SENDING ME THIS SH*T!!!!!
This is how some people feel about the resurrection of Jesus.
Some sneer.
My heart was saddened, not because of her anger or cussing. My heart felt like that of Jesus when he wept over the city of Jerusalem and the people that were like sheep without a shepherd. I want this woman (and the countless others that are in a similar place) to know the love of the Lord and the Jesus that is ALIVE.
We The Church are called to reach out to the mockers, as well as “explain and prove that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead” (17:3) to those that “want to hear more about the subject” (17:32).
Let’s be The Church this Easter season!