More Than a Memory

I once taught a lesson entitled, "More Than A Memory". It described a young man named John that lost his father to heart disease. Although John’s father was the center of his life and the backbone of His family, once he died, he was nothing more than a memory to John and his mom.

I further tell of another young man who, like John’s father, died. But this man’s death was more than a memory. In His death humanity was given hope, death met its ultimate destiny, and righteousness forever reigned.

Jesus Christ, our risen King is more than a sweet memory. He is more than a holiday meal or a season of gift giving. He was to the prophets of old and still is our Canaan King. He arose and day and still resurrects the lives of people everywhere.

As the prophet Isaiah declares, He is our Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6). This title, which is unlike any of the Old Testament names, points to our Lord as King. Yet He is not just any king, but one who would execute a royal program. He is a king who would cause the whole world to marvel. He would be a Mighty Warrior with enough compassion to provide and protect the universe, making Him our Everlasting Father.

The fact that His rule would bring wholeness and well being to individuals and society afforded Him the title of "Prince of Peace."

He would rule His throne with righteousness forever, making him different from the evil kings who preceded him. His birth would incite a rage in the king (Herod), which sent the rate of infant mortality soaring.

He spent time with people who didn’t like him. His views were not shared by the religious politicians of his day, who replaced faith in God with the science of logic and reasoning. His appearance in Samaria would be the last male encounter for a harlot of that city. His command on a boat would change the record set by the greatest fishermen. His conversation with two sisters would take deprive the funeral home of new business. And yet, His Spirit in the lives of man would change destiny, bringing life to a society that was damned by governmental oppression (see Isaiah 9:7).

This man (Jesus) would rule forever, and there will be no end to His kingdom. This young man’s presence at Calvary sent shockwaves through the earth. His death caused the separation of man from his creator to be abolished forever. The tearing of the curtain symbolized our way to God was again possible.

He is "More Than a Memory".