The Resurrected Ones

The account you are about to read, is a story of the great providences of God.  “Providence” is an interesting word.  According to the Oxford University Dictionary, it means “The protective care of God.” So, this is a story that concerns aspects of God’s divine resources and of His protective care.    This is a story of how Christians may have been nurtured in their times of need. It would not be surprise me to learn that God used means, such as this story describes, to assist in fulfilling His plans and purposes down through the course of history. After all, God’s resources are limitless.
This is a story that has emerged from my imagination.  However, it is based on, and is made fertile by, the distinct possibilities of certain historical and Scriptural facts.  The ideas recounted here may appear novel. However, as you will find, these ideas are very real to life! They are distinct possibilities! Admittedly, the historical and Scriptural facts, as we have them, are sketchy.  We do not have all the details. We know the record is incomplete.  In certain areas, only hints are offered. However, we do have some facts to work from. So, from the facts we do have, I would suggest that some definite observations can be made.  And from our observations, some conclusions can be drawn.  We know, for instance, that there were certain saints resurrected from their graves, following the crucifixion of Christ.  The Scriptures say that this is so. But what has been the role of these Resurrected Ones in the Kingdom of God?  After all, they have been amongst us now, for over 2,000 years! I have contemplated this question for some time. First, I believe their role has been that of witnesses.  They have been observers. Second, I believe their role has been to provide protective care.  They have assisted believers in their time of need.
I invite you to read this account.  You may agree with the ideas presented on the pages ahead. In fact, they may very well encourage your faith.  Hopefully, this narrative will expand your concepts of the greatness of the divine resources that our gracious Creator uses, to bring about His plans and purposes in this man-made world of chaos and confusion.  To say the least, I think your imagination will be challenged.
One thing I can say with absolute certainty.  God does have witnesses of truth scattered throughout the far corners of the earth, and indeed, throughout the vast universe.  Some of these are mysteries mankind does not comprehend or understand. And perhaps we never will fully comprehend or understand all of God’s resources and means of providence.  Nevertheless, as you read the following pages of this story, please be aware and conscious of this central truth.  Almighty God, who created the world with all of its magnificent attributes, is keeping a record. Today, in the midst of all the man-made chaos and confusion, God Almighty, is in total and complete control!
Furthermore, He has strategically placed His witnesses in every age of history.  The witnesses of the Eternal Creator will at some glorious moment, in the not so distant future, accurately recount the events of the ages.  In that moment, they will for all eternity, set the record straight.
You may ask, “Why is the historical and eternal record so important?  Why would God need witnesses to keep the details of historical events and the eternal record?”  There are at least two important reasons.  First, the record will demonstrate that the providence and loving care of God has been extended, without prejudice, to each and every dispensation of human history.  
Second, the Scriptures clearly state that there will be a final judgment. The Judge of all the Earth shall require an accounting of the resources and abilities given to each and every man, woman, and child. All the opportunities gained, and all the opportunities lost, will be accounted for. As in any other judicial proceedings, the historical record and witnessed details will be of high importance.  The historical and witness details are what the outcome of the judicial proceeding is based upon.
So, what are the details of the historical and eternal record? What will really matter?  What should we be concerned about? The historical details that concern each of us are very simple.  When we read the snapshot of the final judgment (Matthew 25), we see it is all basic simplicity, at its very best. We will be asked about the very simple and basic circumstances that surrounded us every day and how we took time to respond to those circumstances.  For instance, we will be asked these questions:  How many glasses of water did we offer to the thirsty, in the name of Jesus Christ? How many of the poor we did clothed, and how many of the hungry did we feed? Did we visit those who were imprisoned or those who were isolated and lonely. Did we show ourselves friendly to strangers, and make them our friends? Did we take care of the sick and provide for their comfort? You see? This is why the details are so important!
We are told, if we do any of these simple acts of kindness for those in need, it is like we have done it for the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself. It is to those that actually do these things, that the King will say, “You are blessed.  Please enter into My eternal Kingdom, and come live with Me for eternity.”  This judgment scene is a picture of those who have lived out God’s loving and protective care, in behalf of others.
Please notice that these are all very simple acts. High intellect and unlimited resources are not the criteria.  One glass of water at a time, one pair of pants at a time, and one hour to visit the lonely or the sick; these are the basic requirements. We are to do these things in gratitude for the manifestation of God’s loving care in our own lives. We are to do these things to show God’s love to a needy world. This has been the central purpose of The Resurrected Ones.
So, the Truth of the Ages shall be known! Every knee shall bow.  Every tongue shall confess.  All shall know the Eternal Truth of the Lord God Almighty! What an AWESOME day that will be!
The Scriptures record, that following the crucifixion of Christ, certain saints were resurrected from the dead. From a historical perspective, I have often wondered what the role has been of those who were resurrected on the day of the crucifixion of Christ, following the earthquake.  We are not specifically told.  The Scripture reads, “...the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city, and appeared too many.”  Matthew 27:51b-53 (NKJV)....