I know you have a comeback story. I moment when the chips were down and you were not sure how the next move would go. in 1997, Apple, Inc., had 12 years of losses so they brought Steve Jobs back and within 2 years, their stock shares had risen to $99 a share. Apple is a force to be reckoned with now in the world-wide market place.
My life story is the same. I was raised by a Christian mom and dad who pointed me toward Jesus. But at 18 when I left home, I had my own plans. So I started living in ways that did not look like Jesus. I did not go to church, read the Bible, or hang with Jesus-people for about 5 years. I finally realized my plan was not working but I knew Jesus’ plan would. That’s what I had been taught. So I came back to Jesus when there was no light in my life and it’s been a wonderful 28 years in pastoring and ministry.
There are three basic moments in a comeback story. And Jesus’ story is the greatest comeback of all time. There’s the moment when you think it’s over. When Jesus was arrested and eventually crucified, the disciples thought it’s over. There is no comeback from a Roman crucifixion. Jesus had been their hope and dream for a different tomorrow but now he was dead. The disciples had to wait Friday night, all day Saturday and into Sunday morning for a different story.
Mary Magdalene goes to Jesus’ tomb early Sunday morning to anoint the body of Jesus. The darkness in her heart matched the darkness of the early morning. Jesus had done so much for her but now he’s dead. And there are moments when you’ve been in the valley as well. The moment you first learned about the affair; when you got fired; when you discovered you couldn’t have kids; when you had to bury a child; when you heard the word “cancer”.
But I want you to know if you are currently in a “Friday” or “Saturday” in your story, it may seem like a long shot but it’s not over yet! As long as there is time on the clock, God is working!
And then there’s the moment you start to believe. It’s tough to believe someone could come back from the dead. We celebrate Easter but more like a decades old family tradition or a church ritual. However, one of the most compelling reminders of Jesus’ resurrection are the number of followers who died for their faith rather than deny it. I mean, why die for something that isn’t true?
The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 1:19-20 that the power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in each of us that believe in the story. That’s an incredible amount of power to overcome within us.
Then there’s the moment the celebration begins. Jesus appears to so many people after his resurrection. One account says he appeared to 500 witnesses in one moment. They ate with him, touched him, spoke with him, and were close to him. Jesus was truly back and alive!
After Jesus ascension, the disciples are told to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come. 50 days after Passover, the Holy Spirit comes on Pentecost. The disciples are given incredible power and tell the story of Jesus from the Temple steps. Peter says, “This same Jesus whom you crucified, God has made both Lord and Savior of us all.” It moved the crowd. I mean anyone who walks out of their own grave is exactly who he says he is…King of kings and Lord of lords.
The crowd asked “what must we do to be saved?” And Peter told them to change, be transformed, repent and be baptized…and they did. Thousands were baptized that day and the first day of church was a major success. We are the ancestors of that Pentecost Day so many years ago.
So, your comeback story can end in celebration as well. Jesus promised us life and life in the full if we say “yes” to his lordship. Transformation can be complete in your life and you can begin living your best life if you except Jesus for everything he says he is. Satan will pressure you to make excuses of why you can’t or won’t follow Jesus. But know, it’s in Jesus that you can experience all the joy, peace and authentic love you’ve been looking for. Blessings on the journey.