Still Alive

In the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.

John 19:41

Gardens play a significant role in the Bible’s story of redemption. Spiritual life was lost in the Garden of Eden, the decision to redeem it was made in the garden of Gethsemane, and redemption was realized in the garden of the Resurrection. Just as new life was created in the Garden of Eden, new life was restored when Christ left the garden tomb.

Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the tomb, our faith and our preaching are “empty,” and “we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Corinthians 15:14, 19). We don’t like to think of ourselves as being pitiful, but that would be precisely the state of our existence if the resurrection of Christ had not taken place. Only because of the resurrection and subsequent ascension of Christ do we serve a living Lord and Savior.

Sometimes you may feel as if your prayers are wasted—as if no one in heaven is listening. Perhaps you may be discouraged by a lack of answers. But whenever you question whether your prayers are being heard, remember that a resurrected Jesus Christ is making intercession for you at the throne of God (Hebrews 7:25).

Christianity is essentially a religion of resurrection.

JAMES S. STEWART