The Living God

Bible Reading: Luke 24:1–9

Piper looked out the window of the city train as it sped past a tall building. Inside she could see people kneeling in front of a large statue. Wow! Piper thought. I knew people in other countries worshiped and prayed to idols, but these people are in the same city where I live!

She turned to her dad. “How do you know if you’ve got the right God?” she asked bluntly. “I mean, don’t all those people in the building we just passed think they’ve got the right god too?”

“I’m sure they do,” Dad replied, “but the Bible tells us there is only one God and He created everything, including people.”

“So . . . that’s why we believe in Him? Because He’s so powerful?” Piper asked. “But don’t other people think their gods are powerful too?”

“I guess they do,” said Dad. “Let’s think about it. What other reasons do we have for believing our God is the only true God?”

“Well,” Piper said, “He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us. That shows He really loves us.”

“Good, and there’s still more,” Dad replied. “Jesus died for us, and then what did He do?”

“He . . . He rose from the dead,” said Piper.

“That’s right,” said Dad. “Many people saw Him after He had risen. There’s the difference. No other religion in the world has a living Savior.”

Piper thought about that for a minute. “So even though people make their own gods and worship them, our God is different. He’s the only one who is alive.”

“Right,” said Dad. “And He’s the only one who can hear and answer prayer. Idols made out of wood, stone, or gold are just that—pieces of wood, stone, or gold. They can’t hear us or help us with our problems. But Jesus died and rose again to save us from our biggest problem of all—sin—and He’s always with us and listens to us when we pray.”

“And that’s why we need to trust in Him—and tell other people about Him,” said Piper. “So they can know Him as their Savior too.”

“Yes,” Dad said. “We need to tell others about the living God and all He’s done for us.”

How About You?

Did you know that many people around the world worship idols made of wood or stone? Perhaps people in your own family or culture pray to statues they say are gods. No matter how hard you pray, pieces of wood or stone can’t do anything to help you. But Jesus is the Son of the living God, and He died and rose again to save you! Trust Him as your Savior. Then tell others about Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Luke 24:6 He [Jesus] is not here, but is risen! (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus is alive!