Tough As Nails
We see tough people in sports events all the time, whether it’s our favourite game of football, the winter Olympics, triathlons or the soon to be held Commonwealth Games. We may have heard sayings like “Tough as teak.” “Tough cookie”, or “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
The history of Easter was birthed in tough conditions. I recently visited a museum in Brisbane which displayed many artefacts of the Gladiators. Life was tough in the middle East. The Roman empire ruled an ever expanding territory with an iron fist.
The Christian faith came about because of the historical events recorded by believers and doubters in this tough period of time. Jesus Christ had worked as carpenter in the small town of Nazareth at a time well before trucks and electric tools were used to transport and construct timber furniture and buildings. As a communicator of good news of love, hope, forgiveness and life, Jesus faced powerful people who wanted him dead, buried in the ground and removed from society. The religious establishment did not take to well to a tough carpenter turned preacher who claimed to be the Son of God. Having committed no wrong, Jesus was falsely accused in tough trials, faced tough punishment and a tough death by crucifixion – a punishment reserved for the worst of criminals. Jesus followers witnessed His death, went into hiding for fear they might be next, but three days later Jesus rose from the dead. His followers saw him several times. While Christians have sometimes been perceived to be weak, after Easter these followers were bold and fearless. Both Rome and the religious establishment threatened them with death if they kept speaking about Jesus, risen from the dead. They kept speaking, and they suffered, were made sport of in the public arenas and even killed for their faith. They stood for truth and didn’t die for a lie. Tough as nails. Easter is about believing that Jesus death was sufficient for our Heavenly Father to forgive all people of sin (not reaching His pure standards for life). Best of all, Jesus resurrection from the dead, gives hope of eternal life beyond death. Death is not the end. There is life beyond the grave. It’s a tough message to communicate. However, our hearts and souls cry out “There must be more to life than this!” The reality of Easter has stood the test of time and stood strong despite the toughest opposition.
Everyone is invited and welcome to attend a church service this Easter. To follow Jesus Christ today, you’ve got to have resilience and be as tough as nails. Pastor Barry Tramacchi - Sanctuary Park Church of Christ