This Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, the sermons were titled “The Best Love, The Worst Crime” and “The Best Victory, The Worst Defeat“.
We all know that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and all we need to do is to put our trust in Him. However, what struck us on Friday’s sermon was this story about a train station master who had to switch the train tracks for visitors up to the mountains. One route was the faster route via the bridge and the other via a longer route that circles the mountains. During this particular train switch, the train master had to switch to the longer route because the bridge had become unstable and not safe for use. However, at the last moment, he saw his own son, playing on the tracks. In a split second, he decided to still switch the tracks so that the train, full of holiday-makers, would be safe. In doing so, he sacrificed his son.
As the train went by, the tourists on holiday, were oblivious to the loss of the station master, wondering to themselves why he was crying. Others, waved their hands in the air, cheering and marvelling at the views and continued on their way – probably never knowing the sacrifice that the station master had made.
In the same way, Jesus’ death and sacrifice on the cross may be oblivious to many on this earth if they have not heard the Gospel. However, there are 3 main differences in that:
1. Unlike the station master, God had a choice and He chose to love us by sending His only Son Jesus to this earth, to die on the cross. Not only so, to rise again on the third day, winning victory over death.
2. Unlike the son of the station master, Jesus chose to obey God the Father, all the way, even unto the cross. His death and resurrection, is the only way for us to be reconciled back to the Father – Our God. The perfect sacrifice, for an imperfect world.
3. Unlike the tourists on the train who did not know the station master, we know God. We can see His handiwork in the flowers of the fields, the mountains, the skies and even the beautiful sunrise/sunset we see daily. Even in the human body with such amazing functions of the eyes that perceive depth and colours to our ability to think unlike any other created being, we know that our existence is not by accident but by an intelligent Designer. During our travels, we always marvel at the wonder of our eyes. No matter how good our camera is, we never get what we see with our eyes – reminding us of God’s awesome creation.
On Resurrection Sunday, the sermon is about His resurrection on the third day. Paul says in 1st Corinthians Chapter 15 verses 13 and 14
[13] But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. [14] And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.
Paul goes on to say in verse 17
[17] And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.
Hence, without the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, our faith would be in Paul’s words, “futile” – pointless, useless, worthless.
But Christ did rise from the dead!
This is why Paul goes on to say in verses 55 to 57 that
[55] “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” [56] The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
With Christ’s resurrection, everything changes! Jesus proved that He is indeed the Son of God, the worst defeat can become the best victory and the impossible to us can become possible with God.
Dear brothers and sisters, if you place your faith in Christ, we will be raised to life again in the last days as Paul says in verse 53
[53] For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.
We will no longer fear death for we know we will be safe in His arms and in His love for all eternity! Praise God! ☺️🙏
If you have not had the opportunity to know about Jesus Christ and God our Father, do check out our Gospel page to learn more and may you know our Lord as your personal Saviour as well.
Some have asked why do we have to receive Christ now if we can do it at the last moment, just like one of the thieves who was also hung on the cross but placed his trust in Jesus. Jesus told him that “Today you will be with me in paradise.” and we believe that the faith of the criminal did save him at the last moment. But the questions you may want to think about are
1. Are you willing to risk all of eternity till the last moment? But the second and more important question is this
2. How will life look like without Jesus? Journeying with Jesus through life (rather than leaving it late), is such a wonderful experience! We all have a “God-shaped” hole that no money, fame, status, relationships can ever satisfy. But in Christ, you will be able to find true joy and contentment even as we journey on this earth for the short 80 years or so 😊🙏
The God who created the universe is not an impersonal “sky guy”. He loves us so much that He was willing to give His one and only Son Jesus.
Will you be willing to respond to His love today?
