Where Is God in the Pandemic?

When I was in seminary over a decade ago, I took a class on the resurrection of Jesus. One of our textbooks for that study was N.T. Wright’s massive tome, The Resurrection of the Son of God. The book was dense, scholarly and sleep inducing. I knew when I finished the required reading in it, I would probably not crack it open again.

I thought I was done with Wright’s musings, until recently while searching for theological responses to the COVID-19 pandemic I discovered that he’d written an article that was published in Time magazine. Immediately, I was taken back by the title, “Christianity Offers No Answers About the Coronavirus. It's Not Supposed To.” At the end of the article Wright concludes, “It is no part of the Christian vocation, then, to be able to explain what’s happening and why. In fact, it is part of the Christian vocation not to be able to explain—and to lament instead.”[1]

With all due respect, I think Mr. Wright is wrong. In fact, I think by writing an article with that premise he undermines one of the most powerful aspects of Jesus’ resurrection, which he spent hundreds of pages explaining in the aforementioned book (more on that later).

Is the virus and the problem of evil a perennial mystery? Of course. Are we supposed to lament during this time of darkness—indeed! But I couldn’t disagree more with the idea that “Christianity offers no answers about the pandemic.” Isn’t that the theologian’s job after all—to understand to the best of human ability who God is and wrestle with our existential struggles?

If you have a worldview that can’t make sense of evil and suffering then its not a good worldview, because our whole existence takes place in a universe full of pain and death.

First, we need to understand that natural evil like hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes and pandemics do not disprove God’s existence. Instead, they point to Him. The greatest Christian apologist of the twentieth century, C.S. Lewis started out at as atheist. Yet, after his conversion to Christ he realized that natural disasters lent surprising proof for God. He wrote:

“My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust.  But how had I gotten this idea of just and unjust?  A man does not call something crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing the universe with when I called it unjust? What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust? . . . Of course I could have given up my idea of justice by saying it was nothing but a private idea of my own. But if I did that, then my argument against God collapsed too -- for the argument depended on saying that the world was really unjust, not simply that it did not happen to please my private fancies. Thus in the very act of trying to prove that God did not exist -- in other words, that the whole of reality was senseless -- I found I was forced to assume that one part of reality -- namely my idea of justice -- was full of sense. Consequently atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning.”[2]   

The fact that we have a strong sense of justice and perfection in a world so twisted by injustice, evil and imperfection gives compelling evidence that there is a moral law written on our hearts. And if there is a moral law, then there must be a transcendent, unchanging, moral law-giver.

So, what does the Christian worldview offer during this time of crisis? Here are just a few lessons.

1.      Disasters point to our fallen world, marred by the effects of sin. Paul writes in Romans 8:22, “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.” Natural disasters are forceful reminders that our world is broken. The disease, disaster and death we see is a result of mankind’s sinful choices in the beginning (Gen. 3:17-19). It is in this broken world that God shows us that things aren’t supposed to be this way. This messed up world leaves us with a desire for more. As Lewis would say elsewhere, “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” And so, we desperately need a Savior to redeem our souls and the creation.

2.      Disasters teach us that life is fragile and we need to prepare for eternity. In Luke 13 Jesus responded to a tragedy in His day. A tower accidently fell, and many people were killed. “Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:4-5).” The tower collapsing wasn’t the result of judgment or punishment for sin. It just happened. Sometimes it takes the dramatic power of a disaster to capture our attention and turn our minds towards eternity. Disasters wake us from our slumber and prompt us to question our sources of security. When life is upended we see that our health, money, careers, or government can all be swept away in a moment and so it’s unwise to put our hope in them.

3.      Disasters help us to reflect on God’s goodness. An old saying I’ve heard all my life goes like this, “You don’t appreciate the water, till the well’s run dry.” God owes us nothing. Yet James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” How good is God is to give us food, shelter and clothing? How good is God bless us continually while we give Him scant appreciation? How many times has God spared your life from a car wreck or a fatal disease? We may never really know. But we can make the choice to rejoice. Erwin Lutzer wrote this sober reminder:

“Often the same people who ask where God was following a disaster thankfully refuse to worship and honor Him for years of peace and calmness. They disregard God in good times, yet think He is obliged to provide help when bad times come. They believe the God they dishonor when they are well should heal them when they are sick; the God they ignore when they are wealthy should rescue them from impending poverty; and the God they refuse to worship when the earth is still should rescue them when it begins to shake.”[3]   

4.      Disasters do not defeat God. The worst thing that’s ever happened in history hasn’t been an earthquake, tsunami or epidemic. It was the crucifixion of Jesus, God’s sinless Son. The darkness of that tragedy is unequaled. Yet from the Cross we see that God is no stranger to our suffering. Christ entered into the bloodshed, violence and evil of this world. He took the worst that this world could throw at Him. Yet through it all, God brought the greatest good that could be imagined—salvation, resurrection and the hope of restoration for this fallen world. If God can take the tragedy of the Cross and use it for the triumph of Christ, then surely He can bring good out of any bad situation we face.

I just came across the encouraging story of Nic Brown—a COVID-19 survivor from Cleveland, OH. When news reporters asked for his thoughts on the virus and his recovery, here’s what he said to million of people listening, “I am a walking miracle. The support I had from everybody, my family the hospital staff, really helped. I truly believe it is the power of prayer and community support I had behind me that made the difference. There is hope in this virus , God is bigger than this virus. Hang in there.”[4]

Does Christianity have something to say about our current crisis? Absolutely. God is there and He is not silent. He is working through this crisis to bring glory to Christ. Because of our Savior, no matter what we face on earth we can say with Paul:     

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? . . .  37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39).

-DM

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[1] N.T. Wright, “Christianity Offers No Answers About the Coronavirus. It's Not Supposed To,” Time, 29 March 2020 <https://time.com/5808495/coronavirus-christianity/>

[2] C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (Harper Collins: San Francisco, 1952), 31.

[3] Erwin Lutzer, Where Was God? (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2006), 100.

[4] Peggy Gallek, ‘God is bigger than the virus,” A COVID-19 survivor says don’t give up, there is hope,” FOX 8 NEWS, 30 March 2020 <https://fox8.com/news/coronavirus/god-is-bigger-than-the-virus-a-covid-19-survivor-says-dont-give-up-there-is-hope/>

Cave Theology

In the midst of this Covid-19 pandemic we’re all learning about “social distancing” as we adjust to being shut up indoors. For extroverts like myself, the isolation from my friends, routine and church family has been a difficult adjustment. Looking for some kind of encouragement, I opened the Bible in search of saints who went through similar “quarantine” experiences. I discovered an interesting place where some of the Bible’s best ended up—caves.   

David was running from Saul, even though he is the heir to the throne of Israel. In his envy, rage and insecurity Saul began to hunt David like an animal. “Wanted! Dead or Alive” posters with David’s mug shot are posted on every palm tree in Judea. David was a fugitive. So by 1 Sam. 22 David is hiding from Saul in the cave of Adullam.     

Caves are interesting places to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live in one. They’re cold and damp. There are dangerous drop-offs and confusing labyrinths where you could easily get lost. I’m sure that David wasn’t tempted to hang a “Home Sweet Home” sign there! And every night as he laid his head on the most comfortable rock he could find, he knew that somewhere outside Saul and his army were scouring the countryside looking for him. Where was God’s plan in all of this? David felt so abandoned by God that he wrote in Psalm 142:

“I cry out loudly to God, loudly I plead with God for mercy. I spill out all my complaints before him, and spell out my troubles in detail: As I sink in despair, my spirit ebbing away,you know how I’m feeling, Know the danger I’m in,the traps hidden in my path. Look right, look left—there’s not a soul who cares what happens! I’m up against it, with no exit—bereft, left alone. I cry out, God, call out: ‘You’re my last chance, my only hope for life!’ Oh listen, please listen; I’ve never been this low. Rescue me from those who are hunting me down; I’m no match for them. Get me out of this dungeon so I can thank you in public. Your people will form a circle around me and you’ll bring me showers of blessing!” (Psalm 142:1-7, MSG)

Caves are effective classrooms in the school of faith. Charles Spurgeon observed that David prayed when he was in the cave, but later when he was in the palace, he fell into temptation and sin with Bathsheba. In other words, if David had prayed half as much when he was in the palace as he did when he was in the cave, it would have been better for him. Spurgeon added,

“The caves have heard the best prayers, just as some birds sing best in cages. God’s people shine brightest in the dark. There is many an heir of heaven who never prays so well as when he is driven by necessity to pray. Some shall sing aloud upon their beds of sickness, whose voices were hardly heard when they were well; and some shall sing God’s high praises in the fire, who did not praise him as they should before the trial came. If any of you are in dark and gloomy positions, may the prayer of the cave be the very best of your prayers!”[1]

Elijah was another cave dweller. Soon after he had just called down fire from heaven, trouncing Baal and beheading his prophets, the bold man of God was in retreat. After his big hero moment, Elijah is afraid of the retaliation of a pagan princess named Jezebel, who couldn't have been more than 90 lbs. soaking wet. Where do we find him? High-tailing it out of the country to a cave in Horeb. (By the way, this is the same cave in Exodus 33 where Moses hid in “the cleft of the rock” in order to view the glory of God passing by, more on that later).

The panic of the situation was too great for God’s prophet of fire. The exhausted man said, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers” (1 Kings 19:4).

Graciously, God dispatched an angel to give Elijah food and then the Lord had a heart-to-heart with him. Elijah did what discouraged people do. He isolated himself. He selectively and inaccurately reported the facts, focusing on the negatives and not the positives. He underestimated the strength of God and overestimated the strength of the enemy.   

In that very special encounter with Almighty God, Moses was refreshed for the ministry to which God called him. And in the same way, Elijah was revived in the same cave when he heard the “sill, small voice of God.”

Are you noticing a pattern yet? David prayed in the cave of Adullam because the fear of death was palpable. Elijah wanted to die, but God brought him back from the brink in the cave of Horeb. In each instance, God gave hope and help from the icy hand of death.  

Fast forward several hundred years. It looked as if Jesus was a total failure. His disciples scattered and the people He came to save had rejected Him. After six agonizing hours on the cross, Jesus finally gave up the ghost. His body was wrapped like a mummy and put in a cave offered by Joseph of Arimathea, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy, “And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death” (Is. 53:9).

A heavy stone was rolled over the mouth of the unused tomb, sending the message that no one was getting in or out. Max Lucado wrote:

“God put Himself in a dark, tight, claustrophobic room and allowed them to seal it shut. The Light of the World was mummified in cloth and shut in ebony. The Hope of Humanity was locked away in a sepulcher. We should look at the massive stone rolled in front of the Messiah’s tomb and ponder how far He had come. Beyond the infant wrapped in feed trough. Past the adolescent Savior in Nazareth. Even surpassing the King of kings nailed to a tree mounted on a hill was this: God in a grave. Nothing is blacker than a tomb, a lifeless as a pit, as permanent as the crypt. The next time you find yourself entombed in a darkened world of fear, remember that. The next time pain boxes you in world of horror, remember the tomb. The next time a stone seals your exit to peace, think about that musty tomb outside Jerusalem.”^[2] 

Of course, we know the rest of the story, three days later Jesus emerged from that cave, victorious over death. Caves are where God does some of His best work—David, Elijah, Jesus.

During this current crisis, it may feel like the world is “stuck in cave” of fear, darkness and uncertainty. We may underestimate the strength of God and overestimate the strength of the disease. But as God’s people, let’s not miss this opportunity, because it’s in those places of darkness and solitude that God resurrects dead things. -DM

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[1] Charles Spurgeon, Spurgeon’s Sermons on Prayer (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2007), 156.

[2] Max Lucado, And the Angels Were Silent (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1987), 162-163.

Living for Christ in the Crisis

Christians are no stranger to contagion. A quick study of church history shows that men of women of faith have been steadfast when disease has spread fear and death.  

The early church was faced with a serious plague that devastated the Roman Empire between 165 and 180 AD, and another about one hundred years later. It is estimated that during its fifteen-year duration the first plague decimated one-fourth of the population of the entire Empire. The deadly plague was no respecter of persons, as it even claimed the life of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Early Christians were wiped out right alongside the pagans.

Yet in the midst of this epidemic, Christians were the only ones who cared for the sick, which they did at the risk of contracting the plague themselves. It was common for the pagans to throw infected members of their own families into the streets, even before they died, in order to protect themselves from the disease. As the sick lay dying in the streets, caring Christians would come along, pick them up, and tend to them in their final hours.

Eusebius, “The Father of Church History,” wrote how these early Christians lived for Christ during this epidemic, “The heathen pushed away those with the first signs of the disease and fled from their dearest. But most of our brethren showed love and loyalty in not sparing themselves while helping one another. The Christians tended to the sick with no thought of danger, and gladly departed this life after becoming infected with the disease.”[1]  

The reason why our forefathers in the faith acted with grit and grace is because they found Christ in the crisis. The voices of the past still speak to the church today. In uncertain times like these we need the same resolve to choose worship over worry, prayer over panic and faith over fear.

These are unprecedented times for all of us. I have never lived through a global pandemic before, and so many of us just don’t know what to do. With that being said, many of us facing the Coronavirus crisis may be wondering, “What now?” I submit the following list to you of practical ways we can live for Christ during these perilous times.

1)      Control Your Mind

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).”

It’s natural in a time of uncertainty and fear to let our minds go haywire. If you are prone to anxiety, then your mind naturally gravitates towards the worst possible scenario. We must resist the downhill slide into pessimism by filling our minds with the Word of God and “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). The Scriptures are filled with stories of hope where God rescued His people in their desperate hour. Take the extra downtime to commit your mind to rigorous Bible study rather than binging on Netflix or media.

2)      Count Your Blessings

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess. 5:18)”

This is the perfect time to remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness and be grateful for all that He’s done. How many times has God put food on your table? How many times has he healed your body? How many times has God answered your prayers? If God has been faithful in the past, then He will continue to be faithful in the future. If we can trust God with our eternal souls, then surely we can trust that He will get us through this present trial.

Max Lucado has wrote, “The grateful heart is like a magnet sweeping over the day, collecting reasons for gratitude. A zillion diamonds sparkle against the velvet of your sky every night. Thank you, God. A miracle of muscles enables your eyes to read these words and your brain to process them. Thank you, God. Your lungs inhale and exhale eleven thousand liters of air every day. Your heart will beat about three billion times in your lifetime. Your brain is a veritable electric generator of power. Thank you, God. For the jam on our toast and the milk on our cereal. For the blanket that calms us and the joke that delights us and the warm sun that reminds us of God’s love. For the thousands of planes that did not crash today. Thank you, God.”[2] 

3)      Claim Your Peace

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)”

Pastor Roy Zuck told an amazing story that took place during World War II’s blitz bombing of London. Many people were forced to stay each night in underground bunkers. But one Christian lady just stayed at home and slept through the chaos. One morning she arose to find her street devastated by impact craters and crumbling buildings, yet her house was unscathed. When a reporter asked about what she thought the lady said, “Well my God neither sleeps, nor slumbers, and there’s no need for both of us to stay awake!”[3]

Peace is not the absence of problems, but the presence of Jesus. If He doesn’t calm the storm, He can calm the storm in us. I discovered a while back that the three keys to real peace are: fret not, faint not, fear not. Fret not—because God loves you (1 John 4:16). Faint not—because God holds you (Ps. 139:10). Fear not—because God keeps you (Ps. 121:5).  

4)      Concentrate on Prayer

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16)”

While the world may be shutting down, the good news is that heaven is still open and the prayer line to God is available. Jason Seville, a pastor in China wrote:

“Perhaps you feel powerless against a virus to which you can be exposed even when there are no visible symptoms. Maybe your anxiety rises as specialists still aren’t sure all the ways this virus can be transmitted. You might feel discouraged as you watch the infection and death tolls rise. If so, then declare that you are helpless, but your hope is fixed on God Almighty.”[4]  

This is the posture of the Christian. Appeal to God’s character, confess your inability, and put your eyes on the Lord. We should all unite in prayer for our nation, our leaders, our churches, our friends and family. Let’s pray that God will use the virus to awaken people to their need for the Gospel. Let’s pray for the healing of those who are infected by the disease. Let’s pray for our doctors, nurses and health care workers on the front lines of the battle against the virus.  

After all, it takes the same amount of energy to worry as it does to pray—one leads to panic, the other leads to peace.  

5)      Continue in Your Calling

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor. 15:58)”

Even though these are unusual circumstances, it’s also a tremendous opportunity to let our light shine for Jesus. Yes, we are all adopting different patterns of life, but these changes will open up other possibilities to minister to others. Perhaps, you can take up a card writing campaign to encourage others in the church. Don’t stop being charitable to those in need. A kind gesture can show someone the love of God. Keep giving to your local church, because you want the lights on and the water running when we return to regular meetings. The extra time at home is a great chance to connect with lost neighbors. Invite them over for a Bible study and soup. The possibilities are manifold. Ask the Lord to give you open doors and new ideas to live for Christ in the crisis.

-DM   

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[1] David Jeremiah, Morning and Evening Devotions, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2011), 704.

[2] Max Lucado, “An Attitude of Gratitude,” 8 October 2013 <http://www.faithgateway.com/attitudegratitude/#

.VkIN5PmrSM8> 

[3] Roy B. Zuck, The Speaker’s Quotebook, (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2009), 377.

[4] Jason Seville, “King Jehoshaphat and the Coronavirus,” The Gospel Coalition, 6 February 2020

<https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/jehoshaphat-and-coronavirus/>  

Honoring God with our Daily Work

When we think of influential artists, we instantly recognize names such as Michelangelo, DaVinci and Rembrandt. However, I’m guessing that unless you are an art buff you probably don’t recognize the name Warner Sallman. Even though Sallman may not be a household name, his impact on the lives of people is arguably just as profound as the Renaissance greats.

Warner Sallman was born on April 30, 1892, in Chicago. He became interested in art at an early age. After graduating high school, Sallman enrolled in a Bible college at the encouragement of a friend. While receiving his theological training, Sallman recalled a conversation with the dean of the school which had a definite impact on his life. The dean said, “Warner, some time I hope you give us your conception of Christ. And I hope it’s a manly one. Most of our pictures today are too effeminate.”

In 1924, Sallman produced a sketch for a magazine cover that portrayed a strong yet serene image of Jesus. This sketch was the basis of what would become Sallman’s most recognizable painting, The Head of Christ, which has been reproduced an estimated 500 million times on prints, Bibles, prayer cards, candles, stamps and just about anything else you can think of. Sallman’s 1940 painting has shaped generations’ perception of Jesus Christ.

Amazingly, in 2016 a man perusing a Chicago thrift store stumbled across two versions of The Head of Christ, one in oil and the other in chalk. The man bought them for a few dollars and had them appraised by experts. Turns out, they were two original concepts done by Sallman before he settled on the final form. These incredible finds were both sold for $135,000 to a collector.[1]

Sallman once said of his work, “I give God the glory for whatever has been accomplished by my efforts to bring joy and happiness to people throughout the world.”[2] Sallman went on to be with the Lord 1968, but his handiwork still blesses people today.

Sallman’s story reminds me of another famous artist that the Lord used in the Old Testament. In Exodus 31 we read about a craftsman named Bezalel. He was not a priest, prophet or king. He was a simple, yet talented man that worked with his hands. Bezalel was commissioned by the Lord to construct the Ark of the Covenant and other holy items that would be used in the Tabernacle.  

In fact, Bezalel is the first person in Scripture to be described as filled with the Spirit of God. “See I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills” (Ex. 31:3).

God called this humble “unknown” to accomplish an important job that would serve His people for centuries. When we think of people greatly used by God, Bezalel isn’t at the top of the list. However, his inclusion in Scripture teaches us that you don’t need to be famous to be faithful.

We miss the mark when we consider our jobs unimportant to God. Bezalel understood that he was working for God, and each of us today should think of our daily labors in the same way. As Paul reminds us, “23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Col. 2:23-24). -DM

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[1] Matt Masterson, “Rare ‘Head of Christ’ Originals Found in Chicago Thrift Store Sell for $135K,” WTTW NEWS, 29 March 2018 <https://news.wttw.com/2018/03/29/rare-head-christ-originals-found-chicago-thrift-store-sell-135k>

[2] <https://www.warnersallman.com/about/the-artist/>

I Thought You Were Dead!

There was a crazy story I read a few years ago about a tragic mix-up that happened when the police brought an injured and unidentified man to Chicago’s Mercy Hospital. The victim of a mugging, the man’s face was disfigured by injuries. Police used mug shots to identify him as Alfonso Bennett.

When members of Bennett’s family were called to the hospital, they insisted to doctors that the patient didn’t look like him, but they were told repeatedly that the identification was correct.

When doctors recommended to Bennett’s family that he be removed from a respirator and transferred to hospice care, family members reluctantly agreed. Sadly, three days later, Alfonso passed away...or so they thought.  

Then, as the family was preparing for his funeral, the real Alfonso Bennett, who had been traveling out of state, returned to town and showed up at a friend’s barbecue completely unaware that he had been pronounced dead! You can imagine the tears of joy, hugs and shouts that swept across the Bennett family when they were reunited, and they discovered the one they thought was dead was actually alive.

Meanwhile, authorities had the unenviable task of transferring the body of the misidentified man to the morgue so they could finally figure out his identity.[1]

Imagine meeting someone you thought was dead, actually alive and well! That happened twice in the Bible. In the Old Testament, it happened to the brothers of Joseph who had betrayed him years before by selling him as slave to traders headed for Egypt (Gen. 37). They had told their father, Jacob, he was dead, killed by a wild animal. They even completed the deception by splashing goat’s blood on Joseph’s famous multi-colored coat. But decades later, those brothers stood before an Egyptian leader who told them, “I am Joseph.” Their shock and surprise was only eclipsed by that of Jacob’s amazement.

26 And they told him, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” And his heart became numb, for he did not believe them. 27 But when they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 And Israel said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” (Gen. 45:26-28)

Of course, Joseph’s “resurrection” is an Old Testament prefiguring of what would happen thousands of years later on Easter morning. Defying all expectations, Jesus burst out of the tomb in power and victory. His multiple post-resurrection appearances left His disciples befuddled, amazed and overjoyed. The two Emmaus Road disciples who unknowingly talked with the risen Jesus for miles exclaimed, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:37).

Jacob’s reaction of shock and awe at the news of Joseph’s survival is a foreshadowing of what will happen to the Jews when they realize that Jesus is alive. One day the entire world will be startled when they see Him, whom they pierced, coming down from the clouds of glory (Rev. 1:7). -DM  

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[1] Marc Nathanson, “In case of mistaken identity, family finds relative is alive after taking wrong man off life support: Lawsuit,” ABC NEWS, 4 July 2019 <https://abcnews.go.com/US/case-mistaken-identity-family-finds-relative-alive-taking/story?id=64137348>

Spiritual Impact from Beyond the Grave

John Flavel was an English preacher during the 17^th century. On one Sunday he preached a sermon from 1 Cor. 16:22, “If any man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.” Flavel gave his sermon, had an invitation and no one responded. But, that’s not the end of the story. 

           

Sitting in the congregation that day was 15-year old boy named, Luke Short. He heard the preacher’s message, but it had no effect at the time. He grew up, immigrated to America and spent the rest of his life as a farmer in Virginia. When he was 100-years-old he still had strength to walk across his farm. His mind was still sharp as a tack.

One day in his centennial year, as he sat resting under a shade tree, he reflected on that day as a teenager hearing John Flavel’s message. Though Flavel had been dead many years he could still hear the preacher ringing in his ears. Mr. Short fell under conviction and gave his life to Christ there under that tree—because of a message preached 85 years ago!

It is said that Luke Short lived to be 116 years old and on his headstone were carved these words: “Here lies the body of Luke Short, Aged according to nature 116 years, Aged according to grace 16 years.”[i]   

John Flavel (1630-1691)

The amazing lesson I take from that conversion story is that the fruit of your influence doesn’t have to stop at the grave. Flavel’s sermon was planted in the heart of Luke Short as a boy, but it took decades to sprout into faith. Yet, Flavel’s influence stretched out beyond his death.  

There’s an amazing scene from the life of Elisha that relates. Elisha was one of Israel’s greatest prophets. In fact, he performed twice the number of miracles as his mentor, Elijah. But, while Elijah was able to “cheat” death because God took him directly to heaven in a chariot of fire, Elisha was not. He got old, frail, sickly and eventually died. However, that wasn’t the end of his legacy. In 2 Kings 13:20-21 we read that the body of a dead man was hastily buried and as the corpse came into contact with Elisha’s bones, an unbelievable thing happened, “and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.”

Incredible! The power and anointing of God that was upon Elisha’s bones carried over even beyond the grave. The man raised back to life would be a walking billboard testifying not only to the miracle-working power of God, but as a legacy statement of Elisha’s ministry. This should inspire us to live a life of faith such that we leave behind a spiritual legacy that will continue to impact others even though we’ve gone on to be with the Lord.

As far as I know, besides Jesus, this is the only example of a posthumous miracle in the Bible. Interestingly, Elisha’s life points to Christ in a surprising way. As an OT type, Elisha prefigured what Christ would later do—bringing new life from a tomb. Just as the Israelites fled from Elisha’s grave in fear, so too the disciples fled from Jesus’ empty tomb in amazement.

As prophets go, Elisha was one of the best and greatest, but even his ministry was unable to halt Israel’s descent into sin and idolatry. Israel needed someone greater than Elisha, a prophet who could give life on both sides of the grave, a prophet for whom the grave was not a final resting place. That ultimate fulfillment came in Jesus. The Good News is when we invest our lives in Christ, death is not the end of our life or our influence. -DM

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[i] Robert J. Morgan, Mastering Life Before Its Too Late (New York: Howard, 2015), 260-261.