But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. (Acts 2:24)
CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE THINGS at a moment’s notice. It could happen with a phone call, e-mail, or tweet. How do we live 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 all intermingled and must have left some scratching their heads. The good news was that if anyone calls on the name of the Lord, he or she will be saved. That only happens because God has arranged eternal life that way. 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 was that we have not always recognized Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the sinful state of all of humanity brought about His murder on the cross. We all need to realize that everyone who is eligible for salvation is also the reason for His crucifixion. Writing and reading this still makes us uncomfortable. We want more good news. But we all too easily are blinded to and in denial of the bad news of our fallen state.
“But God” is a two-word phrase that is packed with the greatest potential in all of 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.
But God . . . knows all things are possible with Him. Thank Him today!
Jim Dunn is the Executive Director of Church Multiplication and Discipleship for The Wesleyan Church.
