The Week That Changed The World Devotional April 5

JOHN 12:24 | 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies it bears much fruit.

Time to enumerate another reason for Resurrection belief. Our last reason was the unlikely growth and improbable victory of a small band of followers, armed with a difficult message about a dead Jewish rabbi who had been raised from death, over the mighty Roman empire. This next reason follows on. It is one thing to attest and convert a hostile pagan empire—it is another to shape the best elements in human culture in succeeding centuries. From democratic political theory to the creation of hospitals and hospices and schools and universities—there is an originating mark made by Jesus’ followers. From the push for general education to the civil rights movement and the anti-apartheid campaign and the fall of the wall in Berlin, Christian believers have had an amazing influence and impact. Jesus said in description of His own death, “unless a seed falls onto the ground and dies, it cannot bear much fruit.” No short life bears this much fruit unless there is ongoing guidance and nurture and presence. History moves too far forward at too fast a pace and even dead heroes fall into the footnotes. Not Jesus.

Does this reason for Resurrection belief resonate with you?

Gracious God,
Thank You that I am part of a world changing movement! Let me serve You in real ways to solve real problems and demonstrate Your love and truth.
Amen.