Rising Second Title
Earlier we heard from Mark about faith in Christ and the importance of the Resurrection. I have some other thoughts.
Today is Groundhog Day! This is the day a bunch of American’s put their faith in a small mammal who rises out of the ground to tell us whether we have to wait six more weeks for spring or should expect spring to come on March 20. So many people put their faith in this tiny creature to let them know if we have to wait 42 days to see the snowy season end or … 46 days.
Do those four days really matter? And, really, the hope is that it is an early spring will come if the little guy does not see his shadow. A few funny tidbits about Phil and his history:
- His predictions are frequently “Long winter”, sometimes for multiple years in a row, with “Early spring” never being repeated a year after it was last reported. That is rather pessimistic!
- Out of 115 predictions, 15 (13%) have been early spring.
- Out of 115 predictions, 45 (roughly 39%) have been correct.
To be fair, the Bible tends to be rather pessimistic, as well:
- All (as in all people. Every single person, minus One … but He was also fully God) have sinned.
- Israel could not listen, and they had to be disciplined.
- Our world will get worse before it gets better.
This can cause a lot of us to doubt our world, the Word, and even weather predictions! (That order seems off)
Consider this:
- How many Bible prophecies have been proven false? (Honestly. Not “there is no evidence” quotes from people who have barely even touched a Bible) 0 (Zero).
- How many religions have founders who died, rose to life again, and have not died since? 1 (One).
- How many religions have changed how time itself is measured? 1 (One).
It seems that the Bible is rather reliable, and Christianity seems to be the best … nay, the ONLY real option. It really is centered around the Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. There are some great places discussing this very thing (Most recently at Matt Appling’s blog). It is through the cross we are truly introduced to God’s grace, another central point. It is through the cross we were given forgiveness. It was the Resurrection that solidified the deal forever, justifying us by signing the check that was written in His blood to pay for our sins.
It is not faith in a furry animal that gives us peace. It is not weather forecasts or cute productions that allay our fears of death and judgment. It is all through the death and Resurrection of Jesus the Christ.
What doubts do you still have? What fears keep you from moving forward? Where are you placing your faith, your trust? Who do you reveal your worries and concerns to? What hope do you hold on to?
a simple man of God 