Most Important

 "I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the scriptures said." 

I Corinthians 15:3-4

I've had the privilege of angling Canadian waters many times. The mesmerizing pristine beauty is interrupted regularly by the pole bending, determined pike. This year's trip is quickly approaching with the critical tour of the fishing tackle supplier already in the books. Ever since I was a kid, my dad has reminded me of fishing's most important axiom, "Son, you can't catch a fish if your line isn't in the water."  

Paul had a tough job. He was writing a church that was being tossed around by false messaging. They were told that nobody raises from the dead - "Can't happen, no way!" Much to his chagrin, he had to go back to the very beginning, to the most important. Jesus died. He was buried AND he most certainly was raised from the dead. All of Christianity hangs on this singular event.

The most important sets the table for everything else. With the resurrection comes hope, purpose, and a clear sense of destiny. Death did not get the final say over Jesus and it will not have the final say over all who believe in him. If we are in line to inherit our own resurrection day, what type of people ought we to be in faith, love, and service?