Death of a Vision - Or Was It?
Though it seems that Christmas is more widely celebrated, I believe that the Resurrection is arguably the most significant celebration of the Christian faith.
Ravi Zacharias has said, "Outside of the cross of Jesus Christ, there is no hope in this world. That cross and resurrection at the core of the Gospel is the only hope for humanity. Wherever you go, ask God for wisdom on how to get that Gospel in, even in the toughest situations of life."
This week's devotional from Bob Tamasy focuses on the modern implications of what we celebrate as Easter.
Ernie
P.S. - CBMC's next Marketplace Ambassador breakfast is at the Grill on the Hill in Worcester on Tuesday, May 9 from 7:00 to 8:15 am.
Marketplace Ambassador Network
Breakfast at the Grill on the Hill
Tuesday, May 9, 7:00 to 8:15 am
Connect with other men in our area for an interactive discussion of Attribute 5 of an effective Marketplace Ambassador: Living an integrated life with proper life priorities. Breakfast is served at 7:00 am at the Grill on the Hill at the Green Hills Golf course in Worcester. Full breakfast cost is $10.00, and you'll meet key men who are committed to being effective ambassadors for Christ where they work and live. SAVE THE DATE
Death of a Vision - Or Was It?
By Robert J. Tamasy
Imagine being a member of the executive leadership team for a cutting-edge, innovative company developing revolutionary new technology with the potential to change millions of lives. The organization's CEO is a magnetic, visionary individual whose infectious energy has everyone primed for an incredibly productive future.
As part of the research and development strategy, the CEO travels to a Third World nation. This technology, he has emphasized, must have universal applications, regardless of cultural differences. His tests completed, the CEO's return flight is moments from takeoff when an earthquake strikes the tiny nation. A huge fissure opens on the runway, hurtling the accelerating plane wildly into the air before it crashes. No passengers survive.
The earthquake has disrupted communications from the nation, but small bits of news filter out. The company's other executives are grieved and panic-stricken upon hearing reports that all aboard their leader's flight had died. Without him their mission seems suddenly aborted, hopes dashed. The huge global need remains, but the CEO had been the keeper of the vision, the one to lead the charge into the future. Now he is gone.
Two days after the crash, however, communication from the island nation to the outside world is restored. Within hours they learn the CEO, unexpectedly detained, was not on the flight after all. He is alive and well.
An event similar to this occurred actually more than 2,000 years ago in a region of the world we are all familiar with: The Middle East. A humble leader named Jesus had attracted a considerable following. Enthusiasm was high; his followers had great expectations about what they could accomplish under his leadership.
Suddenly those dreams were shattered on a hill called Golgotha near Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified on a crude wooden cross, as religious leaders of that day shouted hearty approval. His followers - his disciples - scattered, overcome by despair and confusion. The cause, they believed, was lost.
That was a Friday. The following Sunday morning, however, dawned with startling news: The tomb that held the body of Jesus was empty. Witnesses had seen and spoken with him. Alive? How could it be? In the coming days, Jesus appeared to each of his loyal followers. He had risen from the grave; the mission he had initiated was rekindled. In fact, today - more than 20 centuries later - the cause of Christ advances stronger than ever.
Today, what began with a small handful of disciples has grown into a worldwide movement, countless millions of people continuing to carry the banner of Jesus Christ and His timeless, life-changing message. This week, on April 14, followers of Jesus all around the globe will observe Good Friday, commemorating His death, and on Easter, April 16, they will celebrate His resurrection. Consider just a few observations from the Bible:
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16)
"And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.... But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead...so in Christ all will be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:14-22).
Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
CBMC USA Website at
Check out CBMC
New England Team Gatherings at
http://NewEngland.cbmc.com
Click on the TEAMS tab
CBMC is reaching men right where they are to help them become the man God designed them to be.
Join the CBMC Connected Community at
Connectme.cbmc.com
The CBMC Living Proof Video series has many more ideas for sharing your faith where you work and live.
Click here to see more.
This weekly devotional is available by email from CBMC New England. You can join the mailing list by emailing: newengland@cbmc.com