| Dead Man Walking - article by Joel Hempel
The Lord is risen! He has risen indeed! Those words roll off our tongues so effortlessly. But it was a different story that first Easter morning. The women were confused (Mark 16:18), the disciples thought the news of Jesus’ resurrection was nonsense (Luke 24:11), Peter was stunned (Luke 24:12), Thomas doubted (John 20:25) – and our reaction would have been similar had we seen a dead man walking. People don’t die on Friday and come back to life by the end of the weekend. But the resurrected Jesus was not a zombie returning from the grave like a Hollywood undead character. The resurrected Jesus was not some grand ruse perpetuated by heartbroken disciples or the wishful thinking of Jesus’ followers. How do I know? Well, it’s not because of all the reasons various scholars and biblical historians offer through their research and writing, as convincing as they are. However, if you want to read about some of the evidence supporting Christ’s resurrection, check out the links below. * But for me, I don’t need empirical proof. I absolutely know Jesus rose from the dead not only because Scripture states it but also because I have personally experienced resurrection victory in my life. What that personal experience is I will save for another article. However, my faith experience is about me! What about you? What do you know to be true about Jesus’ death and resurrection? As you all know, we had a warm end of winter and then a deep cold at the beginning of spring. So, the daffodils in our front yard that had bloomed took a hit and were lying in the dirt when we came out of the house that frigid morning. But you also know what happened a few days later. They stood right back up as soon as the sun warmed them up. You can’t keep a good daffodil down. You and I are like good daffodils. As of today, we are standing tall – more or less – but one day, we will be beaten down by life and knocked down into the dirt by death. And unless Jesus returns soon, all of us will have to spend some time in the dirt. But don’t get used to it, and don’t get too comfortable! Because the moment we die, time stops, and the next moment the resurrected Jesus will be raising us to life everlasting. That’s why we can sing songs of joy during Easter even as we remember loved ones who have died and face our own mortality. Jesus IS risen! And if you can confess that Jesus is risen indeed, then you have a Hallelujah time coming. *To read about some of the more convincing arguments in support of Christ’s resurrection, go to: https://www.christianity.com/jesus/death-and-resurrection/resurrection/what-proof-is-there-of-the-resurrection-of-jesus.html. And: https://peacefulscience.org/articles/daniel-ang-a-scientist-looks-at-the-resurrection/ | 
