But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold. (Acts 2:24)
Circumstances change things in a moment’s notice. It could happen with a phone call, an email, or even a tweet. How does one live a life totally trusting that Jesus knows what he’s doing when the daily news tends to leave us so unstable?
While addressing the Pentecost crowd in Jerusalem, Peter threw three circumstances at the crowd that were intermingled and confusing. The good news was then—and is today—that if anyone calls on the name of the Lord, he or she will be saved. Whether Jew or Gentile, anyone is eligible. This ability of Jesus to forgive sins verifies that he is indeed God.
The not-so-good news is that we have not always recognized Jesus as the Son of God—the Messiah—and our sins “murdered” him on the cross. We need to realize that everyone who is eligible for salvation is also an accessory to his crucifixion. Writing and reading about this reality makes us uncomfortable. We want more good news.
“But God” is a two-word phrase packed with the greatest potential in all the world’s history combined. God did the impossible. He raised Jesus from the dead. Whatever is impossible for you today, remember this: If Jesus defeated death itself, he can handle anything you are facing. Start your next sentence with, “But God . . . .”
Remember that in God, all things are possible.
Jim Dunn is the president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
