SCRIPTURE: Acts 24:17-21
“It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.” (Acts 24:21)
At the heart of the good news is the hope of the resurrection.
For Paul everything hinges on whether the resurrection is true or not.
“For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:16-19)
The resurrection of Jesus from death is what sets His message apart from all others.
There have been many religious leaders and teachers, but they have all died.
Death puts an end to all hope; unless the curse of death can be broken, we are doomed.
Ever since we disobeyed God, we have been under the curse of “you will certainly die!” (Genesis 2:17)
If it all just ends in death, why not just live it up now before that fateful day.
Jesus offers hope of life now, and life forever.
Not just physical life, but the fullness of life, of love, of joy, of peace, etc.
He lived this life of love, died for it, but neither death nor Satan could hold Him.
His resurrection assures us that with Jesus,nothing in this life can beat or destroy us.
Why else would Paul and the other disciples put their lives on the line, be willing to die?
Why would they make up a story of Jesus coming back to life, then endure torture, deprivation and death?
They really believed the resurrection because they really met the resurrected Jesus.
This was why they could invest their lives for love and goodness, because their labour was not in vain!

“‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:54-58)

What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, may my only crime be that I believe in You and the hope of resurrection, and that I faithfully love others for You, so that they also experience Your life-changing love.