From the Ashes
Week 6 - Resurrection
Scripture: Luke 24, Job 38-42, 1 Corinthians 15:13-14, 2 Corinthians 1:20
Introduction
Over the last several week where we have been together, we have been learning how to recover after something happens that seems to reduce our life to ashes.
This morning, we will be talking about the final idea of coming out of the ashes when your life falls apart- the idea of resurrection.
About 20 years ago, I had an incident that I thought was going to reduce my life to ashes- make all of my hard work seem like nothing.
Many of you know, I came from a very broken home, and have a history that took me from nothing to making something of my life, but it took a long time and a lot of hard work, but then something happened that threatened all off that.
Story about state investigation-
When I was a medic, I got promoted to field supervisor. At the end of one of my shifts, a message came in from dispatch that my crew were going to be taken out of service at 1pm the next shift for an investigator from the state EMS office to formally interview me. Apparently, an anonymous complaint had been filed with the State EMS office requesting a formal call review and suspension of my paramedic license.
Now if you had a message like that, it’s going to cause you a bit of heartburn right?
I mean, the state inspectors can walk in and immediately revoke or suspend your license and you’ll have to wait months for a hearing, and meanwhile you can’t work as a paramedic. Nursing has a very similar system set up, but much more circumspect.
So I had 72 hrs pondering a couple of questions-
1. What did I do?
2. What call was it that sparked the complaint?
3. Who filed the complaint?
Of course, I’m thinking the worse when I put my uniform on that morning- this is the last time I’m driving to work in Lake Geneva, this is my last ambulance shift ever, and I’m going to have to go back and do minimum wage work again to support my family.
I’m kind of thinking it’s my Friday afternoon. Just like Jesus suffered and died on a Friday, I’m thinking (metaphorically) Today I’m getting crucified and I’m not coming back down alive.
1pm rolls around and I see a familiar truck pull into the station. Out pops Cathy, a former coworker who I helped train as a new paramedic to our company and was my partner for a while. We were still good friends even though she had moved on in her career.
She was the state inspector.
She runs up and gives me a big hug, and apologizes for taking my time with such a stupid complaint.
The scenario that generated the complaint-
4th of July Weekend and 6 kids, all 16 and 17 were driving north up Hwy 12 to East Troy to see a concert at Alpine Valley. They took the corner coming out of Lake Geneva on Hwy 12 a little fast, and skidded into the ditch, came to a complete stop, but then the gravel gave way and they gently rolled over back onto the wheels. 911 was called, and we were the first ambulance on scene.
All the kids were out of the vehicle, walking around and laughing- no injuries. But, since they were all underaged with no adult to sign them off, they need to be transported to the ER for evaluation. Since they had to injuries, I used the new protocol that said even though they were in a rollover car accident, they didn’t need full spinal precautions, so between me and the cops we could get all 6 kids to the hospital and not tie up more Ambulances as it was insanely busy.
Apparently, someone on the volunteer fire department that showed up late had a fit that we didn’t fully collar and backboard all of the kids, and open a life safety disaster box for multiple casualties.
I explained my side of it, Cathy held up a copy of my report of the incident and says, “Yup, that’s exactly what you said here. Then she laughed and tore up the complaint in front of me and told me not to worry about it- wouldn’t even appear in my file.
I shared this testimony at our Friday Night prayer meeting, and someone told me, “Man, you went through a Friday night thinking you were died and hopeless, only to have the stone rolled away on Sunday and be resurrected”
Maybe it’s a little hyperbole, but it still kind of fit the experience.
Resurrection is a huge theme in the Christian Faith. In fact, most theologians would say it’s the central theme.
If you’re a new believer, you should know that Easter is far and away the most important Christian day of remembrance. We put a ton of emphasis on Christmas when we celebrate Christ’s birth, but Easter is really the major celebration because if we have Christmas without Easter, we are still all dead in our sins. Easter is where the victory occurred. It’s a day when we celebrate the empty tomb and Christ's resurrection from the dead!
Now we today have the benefit of knowing how the story ended 2000 years ago, but for those first disciples much of what they experienced was earth shaking, deeply painful, disappointment.
You see, there were many who believed that the Messiah would come as a conqueror and re-establish the Jewish nation by overthrowing all her enemies. Historically speaking, many thought the Messiah would be a king like David or Joshua… So you can imagine the disillusionment when Jesus didn’t even put up a fight on the night He was arrested.
And if this wasn’t bad enough, Jesus died...alone, crucified, and humiliated on a Roman Cross.
It would be impossible to imagine how devastated and disappointed those early disciples were. In fact, I can’t even think of an illustration or example to share with you what they had to be experiencing during those dark hours.
The truth is, it was horrible.
Actually, it was worse than horrible… it was hopeless.
Big Idea: The centerpiece of the Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The fact that Jesus rose from the dead gives hope to His followers that since death was defeated, then there is nothing that cannot be overcome. As believers, we identify with Jesus in His death by dying to our old self, and being raised to new life.
Prayer: “Some days are so dark it can feel like the end of the rope. Remind us God, that you have the power to change everything. We need the resurrection of Jesus to be a reality in our lives. Bring life where there is death. Bring order where there is chaos. Bring hope where there is despair.”
So we as we have stated- Friday night had happened, but Sunday is on the way.
The disciples are existing in a dark cloud of hopelessness, in fear for their own lives and those of their family’s.
Thankfully, hopeless isn’t where the story ends. Let’s pick things up today in Luke 24.
Luke 24:1
The Tomb Was And Is Empty
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” Luke 24:1-6
Consider the words they had just heard- “He is not here; he has risen!”
What do you think the women were thinking at this moment? Bewilderment is probably an understatement, but it’s a good start. Thankfully the angels who were also at the tomb remind them that Jesus said he must, “be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” And from there, the women were so excited they ran back to tell everyone else.
Like I said earlier, we know how this story ends and how things play out… but the empty tomb is worth noting. It’s worth getting excited about and it’s definitely worth telling others.
The empty tomb is and will always be a definitive reminder that the body of Christ is gone.
That He has indeed risen and He’s alive!
This truth is so important that the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian church;
“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” 1 Corinthians 15:13-14
If the tomb isn’t empty, then everything we’re doing here today is pointless. But if it is empty, and Jesus is alive, then we’ve all got something to get excited about.
Hearts Ablaze
Later on in Luke 24 we pick up the story with 2 disciples walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus;
Luke 24:13-17
“That same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. And as they talked and deliberated, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” Luke 24:13-17
The story goes on, Jesus asks more questions and eventually the disciples convince Jesus to stay with them for the night in Emmaus;
29 “So He went in to stay with them. While He was reclining at the table with them, He took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight.” Luke 24:29-31
Jesus just up and vanishes… Let’s just say it’s been a pretty interesting day for all the disciples. But listen to what Luke records them saying to one another after Jesus disappears;
“They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem.”
An encounter like this will set the heart ablaze. The absolute joy and excitement these disciples must’ve felt to know their Savior was alive is hard to imagine. But here’s the thing, it got them moving. In fact, they got up that hour and headed back to Jerusalem to share their experience with the rest of the disciples.
Just like the women who encountered Jesus at the empty tomb, these guys went immediately to share the good news.
And what news is so good that it sends grown adults running?
That Jesus Christ is alive!
That He kept His promise to his disciples and came back.
What that means for you and I as his disciples in 2022 is that- Jesus keeps His promises, and He will be coming back.
All the Promises
As the disciples return from Emmaus they learn that Jesus also appeared to Simon. Then, as they’re all talking together Jesus appears in their midst and asks for something to eat… He says to all of them;
“These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:44-45
Okay, so how amazing would it be to do a Bible study with Jesus? Even better if He opened your mind to understand the scriptures. Look at what Luke records happening here; Jesus says, “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” A couple dozen years later the Apostle Paul reflects on this by giving us one of the most amazing summaries of the resurrection. He says;
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.”
2 Corinthians 1:20
All the promises, every one of them, find their “YES” in Christ. And through Him, we shout AMEN! To the glory of God. Some of my favorite promises are;
? Redemption from sin
? Reconciliation with the Father
? Peace and rest
? Healing/Wholeness
? An eternal home
? No more tears, pain, or sickness
? Constant presence
? Friendship
? Life from death
Life from Death
It’s a paradox, but from Jesus’ death comes new life. And not just breathing, not just skimping by, but abundant thriving. Fullness of life.
Even through your darkest night.
Through your pain, brokenness, and sin.
Through your striving, planning, and controlling.
Christ redeems it all, uses it all, and sees it all.
To illustrate this point I want to jump into the story of Job, found in the Old Testament. If you’re not familiar with the general premise, Job is a righteous man with a thriving family. Through a series of events he loses everything and even his friends begin accusing him of having some hidden sin that he needs to confess. Their conclusion is that this must be the cause for Job’s misfortune. But Job continues to assert his innocence and demands a “hearing with God” where he can plead his case.
Well, he eventually gets what he asks for. God comes to speak directly to Job and it’s terrifying - awe inspiring - and gracious. (cf. Job 38-42)
About half way through the discourse Job says;
“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You?
I place my hand over my mouth.
I have spoken once, but I have no answer—
twice, but I have nothing to add.” Job 40:4-5
And then, finally, Job says something absolutely breathtaking;
“I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.
“You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.’
My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.
Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:2-6
Job thought he had heard and learned all he needed to know of God. Through his pain, suffering, and loss he’d made assumptions and even accusations against the Creator of the universe. But what he thought he knew of God changed when he came face to face with Him and had his eyes opened to the majesty and providence of the Lord in every facet of life.
And he says, “I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
What Job is communicating here is this… I was wrong and now I see. I take comfort here in the dust and ashes, the rubble of my life.
Job was only able to say that because he had an encounter with the living God.
And the encounter changed his perspective and even the trajectory of his life.
The story ends with God restoring all that Job had lost plus more! More sons, more daughters, more livestock, more respect and honor in his community.
God gave Job abundant life, and raised him from the ashes of destruction.
Conclusion/Application
As we close this series, I want us to remember that Jesus is
He is the source
the promise,
the way, the truth, and the life.
Commit your life to Him today.
Rise up, dust off the ashes, and take a step of faith towards the Savior of all mankind.
He’s ready for you.
Let’s pray together.
Pray for salvation
