Long Live the King

Long Live the King

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, delivered by Pastor Matthew Vander Els, centers on the profound significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (referred to as Yeshua, the Messiah, or the King). The message emphasizes that the resurrection is not merely a historical event but a transformative one that ushered in a new creation and provides a living hope for believers.

The Return of the King and the New Creation

The teaching begins by highlighting a longing for something bigger, a community rooted in truth and love, and a place to worship the King of Kings. The return of this King, the fulfillment of prophecies, marks the end of longing and the promise of things being made right. However, this King brings justice and peace in unexpected ways, not through worldly power but through his very presence amidst enemies and peace within the soul.

The narrative progresses through the events of Passion Week, culminating in the crucifixion and death of the King. The seemingly finality of death is then challenged by the resurrection on the third day, which is presented as a twist in the story, a third act that defeats death and Hades. This King is not defeated but is the resurrection and the life itself, the Alpha and Omega.

The account then focuses on the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary Magdalene and the disciples. The initial reactions were not of joy but of worry, pain, fear, confusion, and sorrow. The meticulous details, such as the linen cloths and the neatly folded napkin, suggest that this was not a mere grave robbery. John's belief upon seeing these details, even before encountering the resurrected Christ, underscores the powerful evidence of the resurrection.

The resurrection is portrayed as the dawn of a new creation, akin to a second Genesis. Just as the first creation began with light overcoming darkness, the resurrection morning also saw light breaking through darkness. John's Gospel is presented as a "Genesis 2.0," with Jesus as the Word through whom all things were made. The first day of the week, the day of the resurrection, mirrors the beginning of creation, signifying a new order. This day also coincides with the biblical feast of First Fruits, where the first of the barley offering was presented to God, symbolizing the promise of a full harvest. Paul's reference to Jesus as the "firstfruits" highlights his resurrection as the first of a new resurrection for believers.

The resurrection signifies the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy of a new heavens and a new earth, where sorrow and fear will be wiped away. The New Testament authors believed that the resurrection of Jesus was the catalyst for this new creation. Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here," reinforces this transformative reality. Through Christ, God is reconciling the world to himself.

Living Hope and Everyday Application

Peter's first letter addresses believers who feel like exiles in a foreign world, facing rejection and anxiety for their faith in King Yeshua. Peter encourages them by pointing to the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead as the source of a living hope and a new birth according to God's great mercy. This hope is not in a future resurrection but is rooted in Yeshua's resurrection, transforming believers into personified hope.

The teaching emphasizes the importance of bringing our fears and anxieties into the light of the resurrection truth. Just as John and Peter experienced uncertainty before their belief solidified, believers today can acknowledge their struggles while allowing the overwhelming truth of the resurrected King to bring hope and crush despair. Mary's inability to recognize Jesus until he called her name illustrates that the sheep hear the shepherd's voice. Recognizing and heeding Christ's voice brings comfort and security.

Following the King means pledging allegiance to his kingdom and demonstrating this allegiance through our thoughts, actions, and words. It involves serving others sacrificially, mirroring Jesus' example of humility and love. Believers are called to be image bearers of God in a broken world, extending mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love.

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Application for Everyday Life:

• Acknowledge Your Fears and Uncertainties: Don't ignore your worries but bring them into the light of the truth of the resurrection. Recognize that fear and uncertainty are not incompatible with faith but can be overcome by the victory of the King.
• Find Living Hope in Jesus' Resurrection: Your hope is not based on your future but on the present reality of Christ's victory over death. This hope can spark joy and overwhelm other negative aspects of life.
• Listen for the Shepherd's Voice: Cultivate your relationship with Jesus so that you recognize his voice amidst the noise of the world. His voice brings comfort and guidance.
• Live as a New Creation: If you are in Christ, you are part of the new creation. Live in light of this transformation, allowing it to shape your thoughts and actions.
• Be an Image Bearer of God: Reflect God's character in your daily life through mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love. Extend these qualities to a world full of brokenness.
• Serve Others Sacrificially: Follow Jesus' example of service and humility. Look for opportunities to put the needs of others before your own, even when it's uncomfortable or challenging.
• Proclaim the King's Victory: Recognize that Jesus is the resurrected King whose kingdom endures forever. Live in a way that reflects this truth and invites others into his kingdom.
• Draw Strength from Community: Be part of a fellowship founded on truth and love, a family of believers who support and encourage one another in their faith.
• Embrace the Ongoing Mission: Understand that God continues his work in the world through believers. Your faith and calling remain significant despite current circumstances.
• Seek Peace and Shalom: If you are struggling with brokenness or the absence of peace, turn to Yeshua in prayer and repentance, pledging your allegiance to him as King.

References

Bible Verses:

• John chapter 20 - biblehub.com/john/20.htm
• John 10:27 - biblehub.com/john/10-27.htm
• 1 Peter 1:3 - biblehub.com/1_peter/1-3.htm
• Isaiah 65:17 - biblehub.com/isaiah/65-17.htm
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 - biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-17.htm

Books and Resources:

• The Bible by Various Authors

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