How do you KNOW it's a bullfrog?

April 17, 2017

HOW  DO  YOU  KNOW  IT'S  A  BULLFROG?

Over spring break, I took my two grandchildren to Salato Wildlife Center in Frankfort. It was a beautiful day and we walked all through the park looking for critters. As we approached a pond I could hear the characteristic sound of a bullfrog. "Listen!" I whispered with urgency. "What is that noise?"

Not ever having truly heard a bullfrog before, the children were quite puzzled. If you think about it, it's a strange noise. We stood and listened for a moment. Then as we approached the water, the singer plunged into the water and the song stopped. One of the children asked me, "How do you KNOW it's a bullfrog?" Well . . .

• I've heard them before.
• You can't forget a voice like that.
• I've seen them on youtube.  http://youtu.be/M02_dnl9zCA
• I just know. 

Yesterday we celebrated Easter -- Resurrection Sunday. This is the day we celebrate the victory of Jesus over death. But how do you KNOW He is alive?

• I've heard His voice -- and you don't forget a voice like that.
• I've seen Him work in the lives of His people.
• I've witnessed His hand on my life.
• A dead guy can't do this stuff.

According to Matthew's account of Jesus' resurrection, there were guards placed at the tomb to be sure nothing happened to Jesus' body. These guys were not "Barney Fife." They had been trained in battle and were serious about their assignments. They would NEVER have fallen asleep during their watch. But they weren't exactly sure what had happened.  All they knew was that they fainted or something and when they roused, Jesus was gone. Well, that didn't sit well with the religious leaders. Rather than punish the men for failing to do their jobs, they decided to formulate a cover-up.

When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.  Matthew 28:12-15

Interestingly, Satan tries to cover up the reality of Jesus' resurrection to THIS very day. But I have news for Satan. He IS alive. I KNOW it. He lives in my heart. He is with me always. And there's nothing Satan can do about it!

Lord, Help us to celebrate your resurrection EVERY day! Help us to hear your voice -- to see your handiwork around us -- to witness your work in our lives. Help us to celebrate the assurance that you are with us always -- even to the end of time. We praise you, Lord!