Day 106 - FOUNDATION STONES IN A YEAR
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15
It is only Paul and Luke that mention that Peter (Cephas) had an individual encounter with the risen Lord before the rest of the Twelve did.
Luke’s is the only gospel that tells us that Peter had a private encounter with the resurrected Jesus, although it was common knowledge in the early Church. It was obviously very personal and special to Peter, who was suffering with great guilt having denied the Lord three times.
More, possibly, than anyone else, Peter was transformed by the reality of the resurrection. Not only did he boldly proclaim that first Pentecost sermon but he also went on to become the undisputed leader of the first church. Later, he gave up leadership of the Jerusalem church to James in order to become a missionary to the Jews outside of Israel. His personal testimony in 1 Peter 1: 3 is “we have been born again to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”. The resurrection of Christ gave him a hope that nothing and no-one could kill. So much so that Peter too died for his refusal to deny the Lordship of the risen Christ.
So far that makes 1 empty tomb, 1 missing body and 2 eye-witnesses willing to die for their testimony. Already more evidence than most juries demand in a Court case today, and we’ve only just started!
Prayer
Lord, I don’t need evidence in order to believe Your Word – but it’s exciting to see it and know it is there. How could it not? Thy Word is truth!
For the family
You will find the resource below a helpful guide to celebrating Easter with the family