What’s the Big Deal? August 12
Written by Thomas Sherrod
“Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?” (Acts 26:8 NIV).
I answered my pager. “Can someone escort me to the morgue?” the man requested. As a hospital chaplain, I was glad to accommodate the young man. We walked downstairs to the morgue. He wanted to see the body. Oddly enough, he did not want to enter the room. He stood at the door, and to my surprise, commanded the corpse to rise up. I struggled to act nonchalant and pretend this was a common occurrence. We then made small talk while walking to the hospital exit. He asserted, “I just had to give it a try.” I’ll never forget the encounter. I had to respect the young man’s audacity to at least give it a shot.
In today’s scripture, Paul is standing before King Agrippa to answer his accusers. Paul had been working his way up the political hierarchy, ultimately wanting an audience with Caesar Augustus. He wanted the entire Roman Empire to hear about Jesus’ death for the forgiveness of our sins and His resurrection from the dead. Many of Paul’s accusers, the religious leaders, would listen attentively to his message until he mentioned the resurrection. The resurrection was the flash point. One religious group, the Sadducees, did not believe in resurrection while another group, the Pharisees, did believe in a resurrection and life after death. At the end of Paul’s audience with King Agrippa, he bluntly asks, “Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?” (Acts 26:8) God was the Creator and giver of all life. Why was God’s ability to resurrect someone so outlandish? Paul was hammering away at the king’s hardened heart, hoping to plant a seed of faith.
Paul’s powerful testimony before King Agrippa brings me so much joy. I love his confident, bold assertion before the tribunal! It strengthens my faith. May Paul’s unwavering belief in the resurrection bring you hope as you cope with your cancer diagnosis. Doubts are a natural part of any unexpected event. You may wonder, “Is God able to lead me through this?” The disease may cause you to question God’s providential love for you. Reading about the faith of other Christians or talking with a faithful believer may provide a bridge over the chasms of doubt. Maybe your faith has been deepened or broadened during this time. God may speak to someone through you. Your testimony of faith may carry added weight for someone struggling with an unexpected event.
Pray: Lord, grant me wisdom to know how to share my testimony with others. You have been so good and faithful to me through this time. May Your Holy Spirit provide words and gestures that might bring comfort, encouragement, and strength to others. Amen.
Your Turn: Visualize sitting with the disciples as the first visitors to Jesus’ tomb burst into the room with stories of His resurrection. Feel the wonder, the excitement, and the hope welling up within your soul.
Thomas W. Sherrod, Cancer Survivor
Tom is a retired hospital chaplain who works part time for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health System in North Carolina. He organized and facilitated a cancer support group for twenty years as part of his hospital ministry. He is married for forty-four years and enjoys his three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He is a recent survivor of prostate cancer and is immensely thankful for all of God's grace and provisions through it all.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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