Sports fans are always thrilled when their team comes back to win after trailing their opponent near the end of the game.  This is especially true when a team is ahead for most of the game, and suddenly falls behind right before the game is about to end.  It was exactly this scenario that played out in the game between DeKalb County and Macon County on the gridiron, with DeKalb County winning their first Regional Championship in school history.

        “Words from Above” tell us that there is a far greater and more important comeback that occurred when God sent Jesus, His Son, to live on the earth in human form.  Jesus agreed to allow Himself to be put to death on a Roman cross to pay the penalty for the sins of all the people of the world.  By His death on the cross, Jesus provided the forgiveness for those sins, and provided the possibility of salvation for all who would choose to invite Him into their lives.

        Jesus was arrested under the cover of darkness, taken before a Roman governor named Pilate, and was falsely accused of crimes He definitely did not commit.  He was whipped almost beyond recognition, mocked and also ridiculed, and had a crown of thorns pressed into His skull.  He was forced to carry His cross to the place of execution, where He was nailed through His hands and feet.  The weight of His body caused tremendous stress on Him, and resulted in Him having great difficulty breathing.  He suffered in pain and agony, and when He finally breathed His last breath, a spear was thrust His side to make sure he was dead.

        Permission was given by Pilate for the body of Jesus to be taken off the cross and buried in a tomb provided by a secret disciple named Joseph of Arimathea.  A seal was placed across the entrance to the tomb to ensure His disciples did not tamper with the tomb, since the religious authorities believed they would try to steal the body from the tomb.  A Roman guard was stationed at the tomb, at the request of the religious leaders, to guard it. 

        Despite the various measures to secure the tomb, three days later an angel rolled the large stone away from the entrance to the tomb.  He told three women who came to anoint the body of Jesus that He was no longer in the tomb because He was risen.  It was the greatest comeback ever in the history of the world, and the result is that Jesus is now alive and will remain alive forever.  One day He will come back for His Church.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.