This Changes Everything

Are you an optimist or a pessimist? When you look around, are you more likely to be encouraged by the state of the world or discouraged? One of my favorite theologians in T Wright was asked if he was an optimist or a pessimist about the state of the world. His answer was astounding. Without a moment's hesitation, he said, I am neither an optimist nor a pessimist. Jesus is risen from the dead, and this changes everything. For the Apostle James. The single most important event in history is Jesus resurrection. Jesus defeated death and the grave. His promise to return to earth in all his glory is secured by the down payment of his own resurrection from the dead. This doesn't mean that Christians should ignore the pain and dysfunction of this world. On the contrary, it means that we can follow Jesus' example and the leading of the Holy Spirit to address the pain and dysfunction. We do this unbothered by the chaos around us because we are sure in the end everything will work out for good. This confidence allows us to be a calm harbor in the middle of the storm because we know that Santiago is coming. The resurrection changes everything as Peter writes to those who are suffering. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy, has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you who are protected by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time, One Peter one, three through 12.