He is Risen!

"Resurrection is the proof that Jesus is the Son of God. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, forget about Christianity. Jesus' resurrection is foundational." Pastor Peter Tan-chi

Jesus Christ's resurrection marks a very special day in the Christian calendar. This is a very special day for it is a celebration of God's love for humanity and love's victory over death! Truth be told, Jesus' death on the cross is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of salvation. I believe salvation is God's greatest act of love for His people. What makes His love so great is that "But God demonstrates His love toward us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8. 

Then I am reminded by the reality that we all have difficult people in our lives. God blessed us with people who we find difficult to deal with. Undoubtedly, it is easy to love the lovable; particularly, those who we can get along well. But how about the challenging ones? How about those whose personalities bring contradiction to ours? Can we love them too? As shown by the example of God's love  to His people, through the sacrificial death of Jesus, we are called to love the unlovable and are challenged to love the way he does, that which is sacrificial and unconditional. When I begin to think about this challenge, I don't think I can. Considering my pride and selfishness? I don't think so. This is hard. But God said we are not to do it by ourselves with our very limited strength.Which is why loving the unlovable is the most humbling experience we can ever take in sincerely following the path of Jesus. We have to acknowledge the reality of our inadequacies and limitations as well as acceptance of our total reliance to God that through Him, we can! Who said true Christianity is easy? We need to carry our cross daily, that which is to die to our selfishness and pride, if we want to seriously pursue Christ-likeness. 

As we respond to God's call of loving the unlovable, we need His love and forgiveness, always. We will fall short and disappoint God from time to time, but we know and we are confident, that He loves us no matter what, and if we pursue the things that please Him, He is surely glorified. 

As we reflect upon the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, may we all realize how much God loves us that He wants to spend eternity with us through the death of His Son, Jesus. May we also realize how we can trust Him about everything that concerns us with life because the truth is, Jesus is the Son of God. As the Son of God, He already brought salvation to humanity. He already paid the price of our sins. It is finished. Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6" Jesus is the perfect example of obedience to the Father. May we all see Jesus not just as our Savior but also as an inspiration. We may be inspired to live just like Jesus and love others with all that we are. And now that Jesus is risen, let us live for Him! Hallelujah! Happy Easter! Have a Blessed Resurrection Sunday!