ἠγέρθη

That is all that the angel said, "ἠγέρθη," egerthe.  We translate it, "He is risen."

It is a big deal.

Forcing

Have you ever wanted the Bible to say something that you were not sure that it did?  It may have been close – but it just was not crystal clear.  I found myself in that situation this morning.  Psalm 27:4 and John 15:5 are passages in which I spend a lot of time both personally and in working with men.  This morning I really wanted the word that the NASB translates “dwell” in Psalm 27:4 to be equivalent to the word translated “abide” in John 15:5.  The question is answered by looking at which Greek words are used to translate Hebrew words, most often in the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament.

While there may be a conceptual connection between Psalm 27:4 and John 15:5, I was not able to find a strong link between the Hebrew “dwell” and the Greek “abide.”  I sure wanted to.

I have read some articles and heard some messages where connections like that are forced.  Speakers and writers have redefined words in order to force the connection.  In doing that they are forcing the Bible to say what they want it to say.  It is a much better course of action to allow the Bible to say what it says and let it change you.

There was a example of a good approach when you want to make a connection in a – not sure what to call Google+ or Twitter “friends” so I will go with – acquaintance, +Ron Edmondson's blog yesterday.  As you read that post you will see that he offered his thoughts tentatively, with questions rather than declarations.  That is a great example of how to approach issues about which you are not sure.

Not to follow +Ron's  example is to force the Scripture to say what one wants it to say.  Unfortunately that has been done quite a bit in the Church.  If you are reading or listening to what is being said about the Bible’s position on homosexuals, you will see many examples of people attempting to force the Scripture to validate their position.  That practice leads to the perversion of the text which culminates at best in heresy and at worst blasphemy.

The Purpose of God

Spend some time reading through Ephesians 1:3 – 14.  Look at the words in that passage that indicate choice or intent.  Look for words that indicate purpose of those choices or intent.

If you do that, you will probably need to spend some extended time in thanksgiving.