Collateral Resurrection

Collateral Resurrection by Randolph Jason for Gospel News Network

GNN Note – As we enter the celebration of the anointing of Jesus Christ as the resurrection we, once again, look at moment of His death prior to resurrection. /END

Somedays are simply amazing, while others, not so much. Who gets to decide what kind of day they are going to have?

Last night was spent in ministry with some gentlemen that I don’t know and they don’t know me. We prayed, laughed, cried, prayed some more and by the end of the hour and half time spent together we drew a little closer to one another. Thursday nights have become a blessing in my life that no words can describe. It is an amazing situation that God has placed in front of me that allows for the Holy Spirit to fill the hearts and minds of a group of people who are on the edge of the world. Some know where they are, some do not. Some seek, ask and knock while others simply observe and count minutes. You know, like all the people we encounter everyday, all day long.

For almost 3 hours this morning was spent in Bible study with two brothers that I have really come to love in a deep way. The joy, frustration and love we share is unlike anything I ever knew could exist. This morning I had ask about the tearing of the veil and why this was so important. If you haven’t read this incredible article on this topic you should – click here now to read

We reviewed

Matthew 27: 45-53 CSB

45From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land.
46About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling for Elijah.”
48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and offered him a drink.
49 But the rest said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
50 But Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit.
51 Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.
52 The tombs were also opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised.
53 And they came out of the tombs after his resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.

Our focus was on one specific verse – verse 52. It seems this verse doesn’t really get the attention it should. It is an extremely powerful verse. What one of the brothers said this morning about the description is “can you imagine what the people in the holy city were thinking as these people began showing up?” The bodies of the saints they, themselves, had buried and now they are in the middle of the town square – and collateral resurrection had just occurred.

The phrase “collateral resurrection” came from another brother that I had shared this story with and as we were discussing our Bible study he had been referring to this verse as the “splash resurrection”. The splitting of the rocks, earthquakes, the tearing of veil and the bodies of the saints being raised. This “splash resurrection” or “collateral resurrection” had to be an awe inspiring, and terrifying, situation all at the same time. It blows my mind to even think about what must have been happening as these people began showing up, and as the minutes go by the more inspiring it becomes.

He is Risen. Our God is a mighty God.