Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.
A preacher has to shout once in a while to keep some folks awake. I recall a revival I was preaching one night in which a man on the back row was sleeping. At one point, I raised my voice and slapped the pulpit. That man stood straight up startled and wondering what was happening. It was funny to everyone but him, of course.
I expect the early disciples did some shouting when they discovered Jesus was risen. After all, they thought everything about Jesus was finished. They all pulled away from Him after His arrest (Matthew 26:56). Peter denied Him 3 times (Matthew 26:69-75). Matthew shares the empty tomb story.
Matthew 28:7 (NKJV)
8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
The first two witnesses to the empty tomb were Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. That “other” Mary was probably the mother of James and Joses. It was with great joy and haste that they ran to tell the news. This news is vital to the Gospel message. How could a dead Messiah save anyone? Therefore, the message of the empty tomb gives us ample reason to do a little shouting ourselves. Jesus had told Martha, the brother of Lazarus:
John 11:26-27 (NKJV)
25 . . ."I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."
Do you believe? If not, what better time than right now? 04-09-09
edrynn@verizon.net
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