Raised Up! (part 5 of 6)

As we began this series we noted Moses’ statement regarding a prophet like him Whom God would raise up ( Deuteronomy 18:15), the ultimate fulfillment of which Peter associated with the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. ( Acts 3:22-26) We also noted just a few verses further down from Moses’ reference to this coming prophet that the way to identify a false prophet was to see if what he said came true. ( Deuteronomy 18:22) That seems like a pretty simple way to PROVE whether or not a prophet should be believed. However, we may find it amazing how many continue to follow even today those who make numerous claims that never come true.

Jesus came onto life’s scene. He talked and walked among man. He raised the hopes of many while raising the anger of others. Jesus was handed over to be crucified, died a cruel death on a cross, and was laid in a tomb.

During His ministry, when Jesus was asked for a sign of PROOF regarding Who He claimed to be, He referred to the sign of Jonah ( Matthew 12:40; 16:4), a reference to his three day burial. On another occasion, when again asked for a sign, Jesus referred to the destroying of the temple and raising it in three days (meaning His body, not the structure in Jerusalem). ( John 2:18-21) This was remembered by some while Jesus was being crucified and so they challenged Him to use His power to come down from the cross. ( Matthew 27:40) It was also remembered by the Jewish leaders who asked for the tomb to be sealed and guarded, fearing Jesus’ body would be stolen to create a resurrection hoax. ( Matthew 27:62-64) Following the Lord’s resurrection the disciples remembered these things. ( John 2:22)

When the first day of the week arrived, we read…
“(1) Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. (2) And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. (3) His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. (4) And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. (5) But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. (6) He is not here, for HE HAS RISEN, AS HE SAID. Come, see the place where he lay. (7) Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.’” ( Matthew 28:1-7 ESV)

“He has risen, as He said.” Just as Jesus said it would be it was! All that He foretold came about just as He had said! His Words were true. The fulfillment of His words was PROOF that He was a true prophet and more! And what He has declared can still be depended upon. His death on the cross was for our sins, but His being raised up from the dead was the crowning PROOF regarding Who He was and is.

Paul declared it in the Areopagus at Athens.
“(30) The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, (31) because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and OF THIS HE HAS GIVEN ASSURANCE TO ALL BY RAISING HIM FROM THE DEAD.” ( Acts 17:30-31 ESV)

Paul also affirmed it as he began his letter to the church at Rome.
“(1) Paul, a servant of CHRIST JESUS, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, (2) which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, (3) concerning HIS SON, who was descended from David according to the flesh (4) and was DECLARED TO BE THE SON OF GOD IN POWER according to the Spirit of holiness BY HIS RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD, JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD,” ( Romans 1:1-4 ESV)

Because the PROOF that was raised with Christ could not be denied, the Jewish leaders gathered to devise a tale and paid the soldiers to tell it. ( Matthew 28:12-15) However, the truth remains that Jesus was raised just as He said; all of it -- His death, burial, and resurrection -- taking place in accordance with the Scriptures. ( 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) May our life be raised up in a faith based upon the PROOF God has provided in Christ.

Have a great day TRUSTING TO BE WHAT HE HAS FORETOLD!
Carl

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