[A devotional reflection originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during August 2024]
Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.
This proclamation is known as the Memorial Acclamation and it has its formal origin in the liturgy of several of the early Eastern denominations. More recently it has been adopted by many of the major western denominations.[1] Whilst it is primarily used in communion services it is a simple statement of faith that is appropriate for many other occasions.
Christ has died
Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
Luke 23 v46 [ESVUK]
I suspect that most people who live in countries with a Christian heritage will, if they think about Jesus Christ at all, be aware to a greater or lesser extent that he died. Some may take the attitude like that of the religious leaders of his day and say “Good riddance!” The majority of people would probably be inclined to ask “What has that to do with me?”
Sooner or later we will all have to answer that same question – the wrong answer will have eternal consequences.
Christ has risen
After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
Acts 1 v3 [NIVUK]
The early disciples were initially sceptical about reports that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead. They, and those who associated with them, were soon able to see the physical evidence for themselves. They were so convinced by what they saw that they proceeded to change history. However, at a time when physical evidence is not so tangible, belief in the resurrection is essentially a matter of faith. The resurrection of Christ is demonstrated through his followers. The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth about the resurrection; the same letter includes the well-known link between faith, hope and love.
To what extent are our faith, hope and love demonstrating our belief in the resurrection?
Christ will come again.
Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.
Revelation 22 v12 [BSB]
How many of us, who assert this declaration to be true, are actually anticipating its fulfilment? Considerable effort has gone into trying to predict when this will happen; in each case the expected date came and went, Christ did not appear and those promoting that date had to think again. Jesus himself said that even he did not know the date of his return but rather referred to the signs of the times.[2]
As we look at the world around us are we tempted to wonder, maybe even today?
In 1910 the American evangelist J. Wilbur Chapman wrote a hymn which puts the Memorial Acclamation into verse. The refrain has become a very well-known chorus in its own right:
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely, forever;
One day He’s coming: O glorious day!
References:
[1] wikipedia.org
[2] Matthew 24 v36
Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.
Bible dates:
Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.
Horley Baptist Church onlineHBC main site
Confidential prayer link
Link to Recent Reflections
Link to Index of Bible Passages
Last week’s reflection: It’s All Greek To Me
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys
An interesting and thought provoking reflection.