The resurrection – how can this be?
by Faye Schmidt
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I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God … Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up (Isaiah 45:5a,8a).
Read Isaiah 45:5–8
These words are familiar. Haven’t we heard them before? Yes, the first commandment – ‘I am the Lord your God; you shall have no other Gods before me’ (Exodus 20:2a,3).
In a world filled with distractions, these verses remind us that God is the only true source of power and authority. He does not share his glory. This is meant to be a comfort – your life is not held in the hands of chance or human power, but by the one true God who loves you.
His power and authority are made clear, and he also claims responsibility in our text for all circumstances, both ‘good’ and ‘calamity’. This does not mean God is capricious, but that he is in control of all things, even when life feels chaotic or dark. It encourages us to find peace in his sovereignty, knowing he is working for a higher purpose.
God’s power was made clear with the resurrection of Jesus. The earth opened wide, and salvation sprang up – Jesus had descended into hell for our sins and then rose triumphantly, bringing salvation to each of us who believe.
The resurrection is often referred to as a ‘stumbling block’. Incredulous! Unbelievable! Challenging! And it is all these things. However, it is also a gift to us from a God who is the only true God, maker of heaven and earth, who, through his love for us, gifts the resurrection as the means for our salvation and the fulfilment of his promise.
Yes, if we apply reason to the resurrection, we may doubt. But if we acknowledge the God who sent his Son to be our Saviour, we can, with the aid of the Holy Spirit working within us, receive with humility this gift of God’s grace.
Dear God, I come before you with a thankful heart for your gift of salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection. I rejoice and praise you for this gift that shows the depth of your love for me, a sinner, now to be raised with Jesus in accordance with your will. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Vic–Tas District Church Board, the General Church Board and currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations in Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer and for being open to new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
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