The glory of the Resurrection followed the shame of the Crucifixion. Christ abandoned Himself, became subject to death, went to Gehenna, for love of us. Therefore He was raised in power, death could not hold Him, and He opened Paradise for us. We can enter only as He entered—the road to glory is always the road of self-abandonment. When we see this as a mere theory we have not yet understood. It is in the opportunities of every day, with real people (i.e., real sinners), that we (sinners too) are called to His companionship: Give up your rights, abandon yourself, follow Me—follow Me to the place where death cannot possibly hold you, where animosities and offenses are vanquished, and Life springs victorious.
What do we long for above all else? Is it not Life? Jesus came so that we could have it—but the only life He can give us is Resurrection Life. That kind comes as the result of a glad surrender.
**Excerpt originally published in the March/April 1999 Elisabeth Elliot Newsletter.