Issue 850 – King of the Forest – September 10, 2022
I saw this old-growth stump while hiking up to Cascade Falls earlier this week. The hike is short, but the view of the falls is incredible.
Upon seeing this stump, I was reminded of a crown—the crown of the forest king from ages past.
I could almost feel a tale flowing from it. Years ago, when strange and wondrous things roamed the earth and humanity was barely beginning, the fields and forest were lush and undisturbed, and giant kings ruled.
They wandered amongst the old-growth forest, towering over them and wearing incredible bejewelled crowns.
Well, okay, but perhaps not. Yet the realm of fantasy is filled with such characters, and it is easy to imagine them.
The folklore of many nations is filled with such fantastic creatures. The myths and tales of their gods are no less fanciful.
Some would consider all religions, Christianity included, to be nothing more than one such tale. Yet there is something that Christianity has to offer that no folktale or myth can provide.
The life, death and resurrection of Jesus are well attested to by eyewitness accounts. They are sworn to, not just in a “religious” book, but by others who were even hostile to the faith. Numerous books exist by people who set out to debunk the Christian faith, only to find the evidence overwhelming and become Christians themselves.
I have compiled this list drawing heavily from the work of others.
Mary Magdalene by herself, at the tomb on resurrection morning – John 20:11-18; Mark 16:9-11.
Several women, “the other Mary,” Salome, Joanna, and others, while returning from the empty tomb – Matthew 28:1-10
Simon Peter by himself on Resurrection day– Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5
Two disciples on the way to Emmaus on the day of the resurrection – Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-35
The ten (Thomas was absent) and others “with them,” at Jerusalem on the evening of the resurrection day – John 20:19-24
The disciples again (Thomas was present) at Jerusalem – Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:33-40; John 20:26-28. See also 1 Corinthians 15:5
The disciples, when fishing at the Sea of Galilee – John 21:1-23
The eleven, and above 500 others at once, in Galilee – Matthew 28:16-20; 1 Corinthians 15:6
James – 1 Corinthians 15:7
The apostles at Mount Olive before His ascension Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:4-10
Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, on the Damascus Road – Acts 9:3-9,17; 1 Corinthians 15:8; 9:1
In addition, Acts 1:3 suggests that many others saw him between his resurrection and ascension.
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:1-3
So what?
Of all the so-called gods and prophets before Christ (and since), only Jesus prophesied his death and resurrection. Only Jesus returned from the dead.
That makes Him unique in all of humanity and of “religious figures.” If Jesus was not resurrected, He was a fraud, and we could easily ignore His claims and pronouncements.
Since verifiable eyewitness testimony confirms His resurrection, we must pay close attention.
He taught that we are all sinners and the only way to be made righteous was through faith in Him. Have you listened and obeyed?
He is risen. He is risen indeed.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah
Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
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