Crumpled tissues littered the floor. Tears had been flowing as I felt sympathy for the two main characters in a novel I was reading.The two–a husband and wife–had suffered deeply during the course of the story, enduring family pain and deep isolation. As the story progressed, they unfairly lost their good reputation. In the end they lost each other.
A tragedy is a story in which the main characters succumb to the difficult circumstances in their lives. Some might call Jesus’ life a tragedy. As an adult, He was homeless and often misunderstood. The Pharisees harassed and hated Him. Even Jesus’ disciples occasionally doubted His divinity. When He truthfully said He was the Son of God, the authorities convicted Him of blasphemy (Mark 14:61-65). As punishment—although innocent of any sin—Roman soldiers tortured, mocked, and crucified Him.
Jesus, tragic? No way. His death was the foundation for the most important triumph of all time—the resurrection! (John 20:11-14). Paul wrote that God “raised Christ from the dead” (Colossians 2:12). Beyond the flesh-and-blood miracle of Jesus’ resurrection, He “disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross” (Colossians 2:15).
Without Jesus, our lives would be tragic. We would live and die in our sin with no hope of escaping its consequence. Paul said, without the resurrection, our “faith is useless and . . . we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world” (1 Corinthians 15:16-19). But because Jesus is alive today, we know that He has “canceled the record of the charges against us and [taken our sin] away by nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14). That’s victory, not tragedy.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 21:18-36
More:
How would you answer the question Jesus asked Martha in John 11:26? According to Acts 2:32-33, where is Jesus today?
Next:
How have you experienced the power of Jesus’ resurrection in your life? What value is there in meditating on Calvary and Jesus’ triumph over death?
Gary Shultz on November 10, 2016 at 6:29 am
In many facets of life it is not a good idea to go back and dwell on the past. Sometimes scripture seems a little confusing with not looking back after you laid your hand to the plow, not looking back to our old sinful life. However there are times when looking back is enriching and encouraging. I hope it’s not too difficult to figure which is the better. Looking back on the record of Christ, the love God had for humans since the beginning and His care is a record of reassurance and trust. That what meditation is to do examine the truths of what God has written and what by His gracious hand we have experienced. So, I agree with you Jennifer, “meditating on Calvary and Jesus’ triumph over death” is of great value to all. Looking back to positive, reinforcement and hope for the future. I guess this is what some call the crutch we build these little bridges to our beliefs and we use them to strengthen our faith. Well, I found out in this life I need help, I need Jesus and I need the tragic work of the cross. It was God’s design for us to be a part of Him not “rugged individualist” who will not find an answer to the emptiness in their souls. Thanksgiving for us, faith strengthened. Thanks Jennifer
jennifer benson schuldt on November 10, 2016 at 5:13 pm
Hi Gary,
Dwelling on the past (after we’ve made “peace” with it) is usually not a productive practice–I agree. Looking backward is most helpful when we look at what Jesus has done for us in the past, starting with His sacrifice on the cross. His death and resurrection give us spiritual life. Knowing Him means His Spirit is inside of us, always at work, transforming us into “little Christs,” as C.S. Lewis once wrote. Not that we will ever become Christ, but through the Spirit’s power, we are constantly growing to be more like Him. I’m thankful for that!
gagirllive on November 10, 2016 at 7:30 am
Amen, Jennifer. There is only victory in Jesus! One of the most amazing things to contemplate about Christianity is that it is full of paradoxes. That’s one of the reasons it doesn’t make sense to the unregenerate man. It MUST be spiritually discerned. In God’s economy death brings life, surrender brings freedom, tragedy brings triumph—just to name a few. Jesus spent His earthly ministry teaching His disciples these truths—that kingdom life is upside down and inside out from our natural thinking and experience . I’m so encouraged by that. I am also so thankful that I will never experience the greatest tragedy of all—eternal death and separation from the presence of the Lord. I have been raised from spiritual death to everlasting life because of Christ. I don’t want to ever forget that—not even for one day. I want the gospel to stay front and center in my mind and in my life. It’s the reason I am able to go forward in faith. Calvary and the empty tomb are the only reasons I have a surpassing victory over all the seemingly tragic events this life brings. Christ alone can right every wrong and make every crooked thing straight. There’s NOTHING tragic about Jesus or our lives in Him. He is our Victorious Warrior! Thank you for this encouragement today, Jennifer. Grace and peace to all.
jennifer benson schuldt on November 10, 2016 at 5:35 pm
gagirllive,
A part of your post reminded me of something I’ve been hearing a lot about lately: “The kingdom life is upside down and inside out from our natural thinking and experience.” God’s good purposes sometimes run deep within our pain. I think our spiritual life and growth is more important to God than we can imagine.
Tom Felten on November 10, 2016 at 9:09 am
LIfe can throw us many curveballs and challenges, but—in Christ—we have eternal hope and victory because of what He’s done. Regardless of what you’re thinking or experiencing today, remember that the ultimate battle has been won!
jennifer benson schuldt on November 10, 2016 at 5:35 pm
Thanks, Tom–that is so true.
sim jing ying on November 10, 2016 at 2:45 pm
I have experienced Jesus’s resurrection in my life. It tells us to be patient with others and humble ourself and align to God’s plan.
jennifer benson schuldt on November 10, 2016 at 5:37 pm
Amen. Patience and humble submission to God is proof that we really know Him.