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COMMENTARY • April 2006 |
Celebrating Jesus Christ's resurrection every day
By Bill Ellis
CHRISTIAN EXAMINER- Opinion |
When I was a child I heard adults discussing matters of belief. I recall one person saying, “If I could see a blind man’s sight restored I would then believe in divine healing.”
Others said, “If I could see a miracle I would believe.” Would we? Still others asked, “Why don’t we see more miracles in our day?”
Harry Houdini, 1874-1926, was a famous stage magician who attracted large crowds for his performances. He was perhaps best known for his skills as an escape artist. He had unusual ability to survive under great pressure within time limitations. Newspapers, magazines and other means of communication made him known throughout the world.
I have watched my friend, Andre Kole, one of the outstanding illusionists of our era, do what seemed to be impossible. I enjoy watching the illusionist at work. You have also seen them either in person or on television. Right before your eyes they will cause the Statue of Liberty, a skyscraper, a train or whatever they choose to disappear. We saw it, but it didn’t really happen. How could that be if seeing is believing? It was an illusion
Following the first “Resurrection Sunday” there were those who accused the disciples who had seen Jesus alive again of having illusionary experiences. Or possibly trying to perpetuate a hoax.
How many witnesses does it take to prove that something really happened? Hundreds of people have been falsely condemned to death or to many years in prison solely on the basis of the testimony of one person. The jury believed the testimony of one witness and the judge handed down the sentence. Many times, years later, sometimes too late to save a life, the real truth was revealed.
How many witnesses does it take to convince us of the absolute truth of any event? How many witnesses would it take to convince any rational and intelligent person that Jesus Christ did rise from the tomb of death? More than 500 people saw him alive after his resurrection from the dead. They heard him speak. He even served a breakfast to the fishermen early one morning with this simple invitation, “Come and have breakfast.”
What about this fellow they called Didymus? We know him better as Thomas. Jesus had appeared to ten apostles in Jerusalem. Thomas, who was not present at the time, said in essence, “I have been with you men for three years, I have trusted and believed you, but I will not believe this story about Jesus being resurrected until I see him and touch him for myself.”
Doubting Thomas, as so many have called him, said, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it” (John 20:25 NIV).
One week later the disciples, including Thomas, were in the house again with the doors locked. Jesus appeared before them and said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:27-28 NIV).
You can read the rest of the story. You can be included in it if you want to be. With evidence of his resurrection piled high, even into heaven itself, I choose to believe in Jesus Christ and his resurrection. To do otherwise would be foolish. Actually, what you and I might think will not change a thing. The verdict is in. He is indeed alive!
ANS
Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist, and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 1600 columns.
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