Resurrection Morning

There's something powerful about the resurrection. Two of the stories that get me the most are of the travelers on the road to Emmaus, and Peter's rediscovery of his Master.

We spent this morning with some of our friends at Resonate, just hanging out and enjoying the kids and our company. I shared these two stories, and how the resurrection has the ability to set our hearts on fire, and reunite us with the One who loved us first.

Peter's story is the most meaningful to me. (I don't think anyone noticed, but I got a little choked up reading it today). Jesus didn't have to remind Peter he was alive and cared for him. Peter was already a believer. His eternity was secure. And yet, the Messiah still revisits Peter in the same way he first met him, on the shore after a night of unsuccessful fishing.

When Jesus asked, "Peter, do you love me more than these?", he's not asking if Peter loves Jesus more than John or James or Thomas does. The "these" he's referring to are the fish. His question is, "Peter, do you love me more than you loved the comfort and security of your former life?"

I likened it to the red pill/blue pill moment from The Matrix. Peter had a chance to go back. But I think, in that moment, his heart was burning with knowing there was something ahead of him that was bigger than he ever could be, pulling him forward.

The resurrection can do that. The hope of Christ, the life he gives, can make us invincible to the powers that seek to kill, steal, and destroy.

"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."