The Resurrection Difference
Randall Caselman
2/26/97
The Resurrection Difference
Our word Easter comes to us through what is known as the
Dynamic Equivalency theory of translating the Greek text. This theory says, rather than translate the
literal meaning, a modern word (
Equivalency) is used. Hugo McCord, in the appendix of his translation of the New Testament, says,
dynamic equivalency leaves the same impression on a twentieth century reader that was in the mind of a first century reader.
In Acts 12.4, the Greek is Pascha, This word appears in the original language 29 times in the New Testament and is translated
Passover every time except in Acts 12, where the King James translators render it Easter. The New International Version says,
Days of unleavened bread, New American Standard,
Passover.
Where did Easter originate?
It is really a convergence of three historical events.
•
The Jewish Passover celebrated during Nisan, the first month of the Jewish calendar (Abib in Exodus and Deuteronomy). Nisan generally falls during our March and April. The reason the date moves is simple, the Jews observed the Lunar calendar and we the Roman. The Lunar calendar moves the events through the months by phases of the moon.
•
The resurrection of Christ, which of course, took place during the Jewish Passover event.
•
A pagan festival that celebrated the new life of spring. The date of this festival was tied to the
spring equinox. Meaning that time when the sun is over the equator. Which means day and night are equal in length everywhere over the world. This occurs around March 21st.
Today's symbols of eggs, flowers, young rabbits, ducks and chickens come from this spring event and the new life or resurrection concept. New clothes for Easter, comes from a practice of having newly baptized believers wear white robes.
No, Easter is not celebrated as a special day in the New Testament. Passover is. The resurrection of Jesus is. Read Luke 22.14-22, I Corinthians 11.23-26, Acts 20.7 and Acts 2.42.
As the world focuses its attention on the resurrection of Jesus let us make an application.
Does the resurrection make a difference in our life? It certainly made a difference in the daily lives of the early Christians. I submit to you that if we are interested in restoring New Testament Christianity in our generation, the death, burial and resurrection must make a daily difference in our lives. Not once a year, not only on Sunday, but a daily difference!
Are we willing?
The resurrection makes a difference in perseverance. Scripture tells us the reward is for those who
fight the fight, finish the course, keep the faith. The resurrection turned the despair and disillusionment of the cross into a triumph at the tomb. If Jesus could deal with the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Jewish prejudice, the crucifixion; if He conquered death, hell and the grave; He can conquer any and all problems in my life and yours. Praise God for the resurrection!!
The resurrection makes a difference in our worship. As the two walked along the road to Emmaeus, they declared,
did not our hearts burn within us as He talked? And they worshiped Him... With great joy and were constantly in the temple, praising God. When we believe there is really an empty tomb outside Jerusalem, it will impact our life with excitement and enthusiasm. We will no longer have to be begged to attend worship; sing praises; tell our neighbor; live daily for Him. We will do it
joyfully. He is alive! What a difference the resurrection makes.
The resurrection makes a difference whom we love and serve.
Love not the world, neither the things of the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in Him. Demas loved the world more than God. Paul said,
Do not be conformed to this world. Jesus said,
you can not serve two masters... If you love me, you will keep my commandments. The Old Testament declaration of Joshua still echoes in my life and yours,
Choose this day whom you will serve.
The resurrection makes a difference in eternity. Paul says,
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection... And so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. If Jesus was just another good man with lofty ideals, which captured the minds of men, and died a premature death: Then Easter would not be a unique message. The Koran contains high ethics. Mohammed said some good things. Buddha had lofty ideals. But they died and still are in the grave. Jesus is alive. Because He was God in the flesh, because He is alive, His resurrection is our power to be
like Him in the resurrection. Peter says, our hope is bound up in this resurrection power.
He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Paul says,
if Jesus was raised so will we be... Death is swallowed up in victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. The power of the resurrection is our victory over death, giving us life eternal with God. What a difference the resurrection makes!
Of course the resurrection of Christ makes no difference in our lives unless we respond to it.
I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believes in me shall not die but have everlasting life. Will your faith lead you to obey Him?
Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord... But he who does the will of My father.
As we approach this weekend let our hearts dwell on the events echoed in this old hymn by James Montgomery.
Go to dark Gethsemane,
All who feel the tempter's power;
Your Redeemer's conflict see.
Watch with Him one bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs away;
Learn from Jesus Christ to pray.
Follow to the judgement hall,
View the Lord of life arraigned;
Oh, the wormwood and the gall!
Oh, the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss;
Learn from Him to bear the cross.
Cavalry's mournful mountain climb;
There, adorning at His feet,
Mark that miracle of time,
God's own sacrifice complete.
"It is finished!" hear Him cry;
Learn from Jesus Christ how to die.
Early hasten to the tomb
Where they laid His breathless clay;
All is solitude and gloom.
Who has taken Him away?
Christ is risen! He meets our eyes.
Savior, teach us so to rise.
What greater blessing can there be for us, than to know that through Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen One, we are forgiven and have the promise of life everlasting to look forward to?
Indeed.
What a difference the resurrection makes!
—Randall Caselman
