As we continue this Holy Week and get closer to Good Friday, it is more important than ever to realize that this weekend is about God’s plan to re-unite us with Him. This was accomplished by the death, and subsequent resurrection, of God’s own Son who died for the sins of the world and through this series of events, overcame death and forever bridged the gap between this world and eternity for those who believe in Him.
Of course, this was the ongoing message that Billy Graham preached throughout the world and at his Crusades from the earliest days of his ministry. Rev. Graham always spoke in plain terms – no deep, extreme theological sidebars. Just a message of God’s love for us and an invitation to accept the free gift of salvation. In fact, even though we were already Christ followers, Janet and I attended Billy Graham’s last Indianapolis Crusade back in 1999 when more than 200,000 people attended the four night event in the RCA Dome downtown. It was quite something to behold – Billy’s simple, unmistakable message.
I recently read an article on one of Dr. Graham’s late life events. Apparently, in 2013 he told a story about Albert Einstein taking a train from Princeton, NJ. As the conductor came down the aisle to punch passenger tickets, Einstein was busy looking for his ticket, to no avail. The conductor, recognizing the famous Einstein, told the physicist not to worry. In fact, Einstein could ride for free this time – as the ticket was nowhere to be found. They exchanged kind words and the conductor went on to continue his rounds.
Anyway, as the conductor had completed his chore and was returning through Einstein’s car, Dr. Einstein was still feverishly looking for his ticket. The conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, please don’t worry, I know who you are.” Einstein responded that he also knew who he was but without his ticket, he had no idea where he was going!
Billy encouraged the crowd by telling them that they had a chance to know right now where they were going. And, of course, Billy reminded them that he, and every believer, knew where they were headed – for sure. That same day, Dr. Graham announced that he was wearing a new suit – after his kids and grandchildren had confronted him about looking a little slovenly as he had aged…
He went on to tell the assembled group that the suit would be used a second time – Dr. Graham intended to be buried in it. And this is when he reinforced that he knew who he was and where he was going, unlike the case with Dr. Einstein. He was also fond of reminding his audiences that he wouldn’t be dead when he physically died – he would be more alive than ever, in the presence of God Himself.
The purpose of my post tonight is to let you know that there is no better time than this week to reaffirm your commitment to God and His Son as we remember the events of Holy Week. Our verse for tonight is from the Gospel of John. John, in his Gospel, Revelation and his three epistles is quick to affirm the deity of Jesus and to constantly remind us of our eternal destination. In John 11:25-26, we are told the words of Jesus Himself, who tells us, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
This is the question that each of us should be asking this week. Do we believe this? I sure hope so. But what a great week to consider the sacrifice of Jesus and His triumph over Satan Easter morning. My encouragement this evening is that it isn’t too late to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The offer of eternal life is always on the table. My prayer is that we will have a wonderful Easter celebration and that we will deepen our relationship with our Lord and Savior every day of our lives. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace… and Happy Easter!