#DailyDevotion The Resurrection In Jesus Is Annoying To Some People
4th Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, (2) greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
Gee, I wonder why they priests and the Sadducees were greatly annoyed? Well there was a twofold message. One the leadership there was responsible for Jesus’ death. While the text doesn’t mention them killing Jesus in this part what verse two says does imply it. They were annoyed because they were teaching in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection. So besides getting blame for Jesus’ death, they are undermining their spiritual authority. Of course they probably got annoyed at the Pharisees as well who also taught the resurrection of the dead.
But the apostles are proclaiming in particular in Jesus is the resurrection from the dead. Like Adam who brought death to all people, Jesus has brought life and light into the world. Jesus’ resurrection will raise all people from the dead, some to everlasting life and some to everlasting perdition. But all are raised from the dead in Jesus. Jesus died a death for all the children of Adam not just for those who believe in him. Every child of Adam will either be raised or changed on the day of his revelation. We all are raised physically immortal.
But those who believed in Jesus, who put their trust in him possess eternal life now. Our souls have been raised from the dead through faith in Christ and baptism into his name. Our spirits are living and vivified by the eternal life of Jesus. Those who do not trust Jesus are spiritually dead now, dead in trespasses in sins. When they are raised, they are still spiritually dead. There has been no change in their souls.
The apostles were teaching us now is the time, today is the day, we should change our minds, we should admit our sins and receive forgiveness of those sins in Jesus’ name by confessing those sins and being baptized into Jesus. The day of refreshing is now. Now you may already be a Christian, a baptized believer, who has found themselves in sin. It’s not too late. You’re reading this today. As long as we have today, let us examine ourselves, confess our sins and look to Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of our bodies on the last day. Refreshment from the burdens of our sins is now, it is today. Don’t put it off. Don’t wallow in your guilt. Jesus can remove it. If you are feeling the weight of your sins, Jesus has given you pastors, like the apostles whom he has given authority to release you from the cords of death that wrap your soul and give you new life today. Today and every day that is today there is hope in Jesus for the resurrection of our spirits today and resurrection of our bodies on the last day to eternal life.
Heavenly Father, always grant unto us those who will teach of forgiveness of sins, life eternal and the resurrection of bodies unto eternal life, that we may live in that joy today and always. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.