by J . B . Row ell 'Victoria , B .C .
gloom to gladness. “ Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you; And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord” (John 20:19, 20). This spiritual gladness, marking the lives of God’s people, might well be one of the best advertisements for the cause of Christ. Silence Vindicating the Resurrection No religion in all the world can inspire gladness such as this in the hearts of men; because this is Resurrection Gladness. History emphasizes the silence of the earliest antago nists of Christianity which becomes one of the strongest proofs of the literal resurrection of Jesus Christ. Celsus, an Epicurean philosopher of the second cen tury, was the author of an attack on Christianity, entitled “ Logos Alethes,” or “ The True Word.” In this assault on the Christian faith, Celsus denied many things, but he did not dare to express one doubt regarding the resurrection. Porphyry, a Greek philosopher of the third century, was ranked as a strong antagonist of Christianity. About 268 A.D., he journeyed to Sicily, where, it is said, he wrote his book against Christianity; and yet he ventured no word of doubt as to the fact of the resurrection. Julian, the Apostate, of the fourth century, was born in Constantinople in 331. Though brought up in the Chris tian faith, he turned pagan, and sought to restore heathen worship. In his opposition, he endeavored to falsify Jesus Christ by rebuilding the Jewish temple. While he wrote on a number of subjects, and against Christianity in par ticular, he never denied the resurrection. Zosimus, a Greek historian of the fifth century, in his history of the Empire, severely criticized the emperors,* but nowhere did he deny the resurrection. Proofs Which Convince and Confirm Thus, this evidence of silence, on the part of the early
T ie lord is risen indeed!” This was the shout of as surance with which the two Emmaus disciples hurst in on “ the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them.” To some of the disciples, all hope perished when they saw Jesus die upon the cross. Suddenly, into their gloomy thoughts and conversation came the messen gers of the resurrection of the One Who died on the cross, “ The Lord is risen indeed!” This is the glad news to tell the world. As believers, we have the only Leader Who died, and rose again. That Jesus died for sinners is Good News, but that He rose from the dead makes salvation a glorious experience. The Test Concerning the resurrection of our Lord, a significant word comes to our hearts: “ Surely, it is a sign that all is not right with us, when other things make us glad, but not this; when the natural spring fills our hearts with a natural joy, but this with no spiritual joy” (“ Hulsean Lectures,” for 1845-46, by Archbishop Trench; p. 190). Proof in Personal Experience From gloom to gladness is the New Testament story of the results of the resurrection in the lives of the followers of Jesus. The graphic, and heart-moving, account of the betrayal by Judas, and of the arrest of Jesus, seemed suf ficient cause for the gloom and discouragement which suddenly took hold upon the disciples. The betrayer was in the midst! “ Judas, one of the twelve,” gave a sign to the chief priests, saying, “Whom soever I shall kiss, that same is he; hold him fast.” And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, “ Hail, master”— and kissed him. . . Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him” (Matthew 26:47-56). This, surely, was one of the most tragic moments in history. The ter rible act of betrayal had its repercussions in the lives of many; and we read the distressing result told in a few words, “Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.” Our Risen Lord would not leave His followers in gloom, but, by His Self-Revelation, quickly changed
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