The Difference

The Difference

Article originally printed in the Gospel Herald by an unknown author

A Japanese Baron, through an interpreter, was addressing Bethany Sunday School in Philadelphia. The superintendent, Mr. John Wanamaker, listened in amazement as his distinguished guest was explaining that the teachings of Confucius and Jesus were the same, and there was no need of his changing his faith. The Baron was visiting America to study educational methods and was deeply interested in the work of Sunday Schools.

After this defense of heathenism before his school, Mr. Wanamaker, distinguished veteran Sunday School leader and great merchant, rose up and spoke what came out of his heart on the spur of the moment. Acknowledging the high moral standards of Confucius, he continued, “There is no vital difference between Confucius and our Lord Jesus Christ. Confucius is dead and buried, and he will remain in his grave till Jesus Christ tells him to arise. But our Christs grave is empty. He is living. He is here in this room today.”

And taking a little Testament from his pocket, Mr. Wanamaker added with deep emotion, “We have His Words; they are living Words, and we can read them in this Book.”

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The resurrection of Jesus Christ by His divine power is what most separates him from any other teacher that has or will ever be on this Earth. No other teaching or philosophy can measure up to that of my Savior.

If you are reading this article in our assembling this morning, I am grateful that you want to honor Him today as well. I want to give a word of encouragement and caution: if today is the only day (or one of few) days that you pause in recognition of Jesus and his resurrection, your life isn’t honoring him. Because Jesus is the Son of God he deserves more. More than a visit for a few holidays or half-hearted commitments to worship assemblies.

Jesus has called people to be his disciples, that will have there every thought, step, and action brought into his Lordship. Those are the ones he’s coming for again. I hope you choose to be one of those.

I love You,

Jonathan