Elegant Resurrection

In the field of mathematics there is a term for a quality problem solving process. It is defined as “elegant”. Now I may think of elegant as a beautifully appointed dinner table, a satin evening gown with long white gloves, or a handsomely tailored tuxedo with pressed creases.

The scientist, however, defines elegant in a whole other way. An “elegant solution” is one which displays beauty and simplicity in execution, and one which is simple and precise. 1

Quite logically, a solution presupposes a problem. What is the universal, unilateral problem of mankind? “For as in Adam all die…” (1 Corinthians 15:22a) No formula, no exercise, no system generated by the intellect of man can stop the fearsome prospect of death. We are, as described in Psalm 22:29, “dust…and none can keep alive his own soul.” In fact, the Bible warns us that we each have an appointment that must be kept.

The fearsome power of death can only be confronted and defeated by Someone who has all power over death. The remedy for the crippling fear of death can only be the anastasis 2- the proof that Someone did stand up in resurrection before us! The only solution to our sin-borne death sentence is an eternal pardon. Simply – wondrously – the only One who can provide the remedy is the One who created all that is. In a grand old hymn, Isaac Watts described the unimaginably elegant solution as “When Christ the mighty Maker died for man the creature’s sin”.3

So beautiful! So precise! When Jesus of Nazareth walked out of that Jerusalem tomb He “showed Himself alive” by the first of “many infallible proofs”4 His solution is seen by me as truly elegant because it needs nothing added and requires nothing to be removed. It is a fact. “But now, in a single victorious stroke of life, all three – sin, guilt, death – are gone, the gift of the Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!”5

Previous to His own resurrection, He staged a very dramatic example of His solution. He did this to teach us about the truth of His identity, and to inspire our confidence in His ability to defeat death. His very close friend, Lazarus had died and He made His way to the place of interment. The mourners intercepted Him, and pelted Him with remarks. (They attempted to insert their idea of a solution.) “Martha said, “Master, if you’d been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. Even now, I know that whatever you ask God he will give you.” Jesus said, “Your brother will be raised up.” Martha replied, “I know that he will be raised up in the resurrection at the end of time.”

“You don’t have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. (italics mine) The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this?”6

I was recently faced with this piercing question myself. In praying about a personal need for healing, the Lord seemed to ask me the same thing He asked Martha, “Do you believe this?” I cannot describe the crisis of faith I was in, except to say that I had asked and prayed for a pain in my arm to be healed. I had prayed, and asked, and begged, and reminded, and……you know the drill! And when I asked just one more time, the Lord presented me with His solution. Himself. Nothing needed to be added, nor taken away. Simple, perfect, flawless, infallible, elegant. As I prayed and centered my thoughts on Him, I began to admit that I did believe that He resurrected from the grave on that very special “first day of the week, while it was yet dark.” But I was a little fuzzy on the very truth He proclaimed to Martha - I am, right now, Resurrection and Life.

He showed me that, as it is in His nature and Name to heal, it is evidenced and powerfully demonstrated by His resurrected body. In prayer, as I affirmed my trust in Him and my confidence in His love for me, it seemed to me that He reached toward my withered arm with His great resurrected, glorified arm. “In Him was life”, John said. In Him is everything that I or any other believer needs. 2 Peter 1:3-4 tells us that He will meet my need…”According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature….” He showed me in a very personal way that He desired to be seen as a Living Healer, and that He would meet every need out of the limitless resource of Himself. He spoke of a facet of this as He described for His disciples the evidence of His ultimate solution. “…You’re going to see me because I am alive and you’re about to come alive. At that moment you will know absolutely that I’m in my Father, and you’re in me, and I’m in you.” (John 14:19-20 Message New Testament)

What more complete and elegant definition of provision could we want? At that moment I knew absolutely that He lives, and that because He lives I shall live – I DO live also!! The solution portion of 1 Corinthians 15:22b is “…even so in Christ shall all be made alive!” 7 That promise is to ALL who will believe!

Do you know, surely – right now, that He is alive? Do you believe this? You can! He can be real and glorious to you if you will believe that He IS the risen Savior. Ask Him to come into your life, and forgive your sins and unbelief. If you will put your total confidence in Him and the power of His resurrection, this will be the most glorious and authentic Easter you have ever experienced! And who knows? It might even be described as elegant!  

CG