Resurrection

Resurrection Day 2011. In Delhi, India. We gathered with a body of believers from different nations and people groups. 

We came to Christ out of a variety of religions and cultural traditions and family backgrounds. Some repented and believed as children. Others turned and followed Him in adulthood. 

Each one’s testimony detailing a unique journey to salvation.

He is risen!

On that Resurrection Day we worshiped together as one, in Spirit and in truth. Brothers and sisters in the Lord. 

“Christ the Lord is risen!”
“He is risen indeed!”

The next morning I retrieved and dusted off The Times of India newspaper that landed everyday on the balcony of our second-floor flat. I opened it to the front page. And a striking headline.

God-man dies

In bold letters all the way across the top of the first page were these words: “God-man Dies.” 

Sathya Sai Baba had passed away. On Easter Sunday. 

Millions of his followers were in deep shock and grief. Yes, millions. Weeping, fainting. 

One devotee died of shock at the news. 

False hope

Time magazine’s report the next day said, “Believing in the Baba was easy. Devotees were not required to adhere to any particular set of beliefs or renounce worldly pleasures; non-Hindus did not need to change their religion.”  

Easy, convenient belief. Of a false god-man. Leading many to the abyss of false hope.  Some continued to insist that he would come back to life.

He never did.

False inheritance

The wealthy “god-man” was generously supported by his 6 million followers. And worth $8.9 billion by some estimates. 

But not long after he died, this earthly treasure was tainted by accusations of corruption and scandal. 

Celebrate the Resurrection

The timing of Sai Baba’s death was not lost on us. On the day he died, we were celebrating the Resurrection. Of the true God-Man. Jesus Christ. 

On the day millions mourned a false god, we praised the One and Only Son of God. The perfect Lamb who died on the cross, bearing our sin. Who was buried in a borrowed tomb. And then rose from the dead on the third day. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4)  

Living hope and an imperishable inheritance. Alleluia.

Go and tell

Today He sends His children around the world. And across the street. To share the truth of His salvation in a world blinded by false gods and the father of lies.

And we pray.

Lord, have mercy. Open blind eyes to see the Risen Savior. Son of Man, Son of God. Jesus, the Christ.

His is the Name above every name

“…Jesus Christ.
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used
to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
 to the glory of God the Father.” 
Philippians 2:6-11

Alleluia! We serve a risen Savior.

Related posts

Job and the Hope of Easter – The mystery of the gospel – Repent and believe – Living hope – Redeemed – Brokenness – Enter the narrow door – Prodigal redeemed – Living water