Purpose, peace, freedom, acceptance, truth...
We all find ourselves longing for these good things and so much more.
But what if we could find more than just a fleeting experience of these things? What if we could find all that we long for in one place or person? And not just in a moment, but a filling of the emptiness?
What if there's more?
Perhaps it’s time to find out if the fact we feel something is missing tells us that there really is something more.
One of Jesus’ first followers, Peter wrote an ancient letter, found in the Bible. In it he talks about ‘the empty way of life [that’s been] handed down to you’.
It seems the feeling of something missing is not new.
But Peter says we can be ‘redeemed’, that is rescued, from that empty way of life and receive a whole new way of life. The emptiness filled.
Jesus said...
‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved… I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.’
Peter explains this extraordinary rescue is not paid for ‘with perishable things such as silver or gold’ (the kinds of things we tend to think will make us happy) ‘but with the precious blood of Christ.’
That’s huge.
What is it about Jesus dying on a Roman cross 2000 years ago that can fulfil my deepest need for love that won’t disappear or disappoint? How can it give me a sense of freedom and peace that I can’t find from meditation or holidays? Could it end my search for significance in promotions, possessions and people? Could Jesus’ death help me find security and hope in the darkest times?
Jesus said...
‘The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life – no one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.
Peter then makes the stunning claim that Jesus was “raised … from the dead”.
Could Jesus’ historical resurrection, overcoming all the powers of darkness, even death itself, give me a sense of security when the changing world around me feels so insecure? Could the resurrection bring true and real joy that goes beyond mere happiness, or hope that goes beyond mere optimism?
