Crowds gathered each week to hear the soul-stirring sermons of Joseph Parker, the famous pastor of London’s City Temple in the late 19th century. Then a crisis hit him hard. His wife died after an agonizing illness. Parker later said he would not have allowed a dog to suffer as she did. A heartbroken husband whose prayers had gone unanswered, he confessed publicly that for a week he had even denied that God existed.
But Parker’s loss of faith was only temporary. From that experience he gained a stronger personal trust in Jesus’ death-destroying resurrection and began to testify: "I have touched the bottom, and it is sound."
Listen to this exclamation of triumph from the risen Christ as He proclaims His victory over the grave: "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore" (Revelation :17-18).
Death is our most venomous enemy, robbing us of joy and hope – unless the triumph of Christ’s resurrection reverberates in our heart. As we believe in the mighty Victor over death, doubt is banished and light drives away the darkness.
Hold fast to that triumphant trust as you struggle through life’s worst crises. – Vernon Grounds
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song
In the night season and all the day long. – Young
READ: Revelation 1:10-18
Because of Christ’s empty tomb, we can be full of hope.
The Bible in one year:
• 2 Chronicles 7-9
• John 11:1-29