Mary Magdalene learned and knew that the LORD is that LORD that is risen. Therefore, we went to tell the story that she has seen Him. This was the very first testimony of the resurrection of Jesus. After Jesus' death, the first to enter the Paradise was a robber who was crucified beside Jesus. After Jesus was resurrected, the first to preach the gospel was a woman who used to be possessed by seven demons. These show us that our LORD is the LORD who loves the sinners that for those who have greatly sinned could be saved, you who had been demon-possessed could preach the gospel. Do not set a standard: such kind of person is not worthy of becoming a pastor and such person is best to be a pastor. The LORD works extraordinarily within each person. I am waiting for prostitutes to repent and be the LORD's witnesses. I am waiting for robbers to repent and be the LORD's witnesses. And are there drug addicts who return to the LORD and be the LORD's witnesses to win the souls of sinners? Christianity is not about God from heaven come looking for the righteous to be His people. The gospel is God come looking for the sinners so they would repent. Jesus came down from heaven so He could bring people from the sinful mud so they are to stand on the cornerstone that God has provided.
Christianity is the new hope for sinners. The kingdom of God is built up with the broken hearted of the sinners who has experienced the true repentance. Not built up by the intelligent, the great, people who have never committed any crimes, whose morality excels the others. If you have greatly sinned, be not disappointed. The power of Jesus is able to save you, pardon you, change you, make you whole again and make you His servant, His witness.
-Excerpted from Kebangkitan Kristus dan Penginjilan Yohanes 20:19-29 | Pdt. Dr. Stephen Tong
Translated by Alicia Angie Wiranata
In Christ,
Alice
