Today in Cheyenne, Wyoming it is seventy degrees, with bright sunshine, and a slight breeze. I (along with Willy Nelson) am sitting outside writing this blog and can say, without hesitation, that the weather is definitely contributing to my happiness. I have made it my goal to never complain about the weather, but that does not mean weather is not part of my emotional state. Today the warm temperature and sunshine are contributing to my positive emotional state.
I would enjoy this weather under any circumstances; however, today it is particularly wonderful. Three weeks ago we were under a blizzard warning. In just over twenty-four hours Cheyenne received three feet of snow (with eight-foot snow drifts) and winds in excess of 50 miles an hour. It felt like spring would never come. But here it is, the snow is gone, the sun is out, the grass is turning green, and the trees are budding. It is beautiful. My back yard, after being hopelessly buried in snow, is experiencing a rebirth. It is a beautiful thing. I am also enjoying the weather because, as I write this, tomorrow is Easter Sunday and I will be preaching in chapel. It will be my privilege to proclaim that after Jesus had been crucified, certified as dead, and put into a tomb, He rose from the dead!
COMPELLING EVIDENCE FOR SOMETHING HARD TO BELIEVE
I don’t think it is easy to believe in the resurrection of Jesus because experience has taught us that when things are dead, they don’t come back to life. However, experience has also taught us that things are often not what they appear to be. The resurrection of Jesus is not just wishful thinking. Rather it is a historical event with supporting evidence. Ever since I first learned of the evidence for the resurrection I have been encouraged in times of doubt and discouragement. The resurrection is hard to believe, but I find the evidence compelling. There are several good books and websites which give insight into this evidence for the resurrection. If you are unfamiliar with the evidence this website is a good place to start: The Resurrection, Evidence and The Scientist.
I know this is a common theme at Easter, and it is not particularly profound, but three weeks ago I found it hard to believe that the snow would melt and spring would come, but here it is. I think God delights in bringing things that are dead back to life. (I know that my grass and trees were not dead, but only looked dead. Meanwhile, I believe that Jesus did not just look dead, he was dead. The analogy is not perfect.)
Today I am enjoying the weather. Tomorrow I will enjoy preaching the resurrection of Jesus. I look forward to proclaiming that I believe in a God who has conquered death, a God who is in control, and a God who has secured a hopeful future for all who believe.
