Luke 24:34 (ESV)
Saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to
Simon!”
As we look at the shocking picture of Jesus’ pathetic
lifeless body hanging on the cross. It might be difficult for us to take in
that picture. Well, the good news is that it does not end there with us
glorifying a decaying body. Psalm 30: 3 is a prophetic pronouncement that,
Jesus will not remain in the pit, is fulfilled.
The depressing dark picture slowly is beginning to take on
some color as the sun’s rays come streaming in. Psalm 30: 5 is a promise that
we might spend the night weeping but there is joy in the morning. A shocking
and unexpected event had occurred. Jesus is risen, he had literally risen from
the dead. The frightened disciples are now unfazed and unafraid; he had risen
indeed!
This led to the confident proclamation of the disciples
that if Christ had not been raised from the dead all their preaching and
teaching is in vain (I Corinthians 15: 13-14). We can easily conceive of a
religion like Christianity without the resurrection. With just the life and
teachings of Jesus it would still look good. There was no need for the
disciples to include the resurrection. The only reason they did was because the
event did actually occur.
However, now in the light of Jesus’ resurrection, his life
and teachings take on renewed meaning! He becomes a standard for mankind. If
Jesus is risen his teaching is no longer good advice but is the key to the good
life. The invisible one we pray to is really out there. We no longer guess. We
know! Now that we know, it is a sobering reminder that we humans can actually
communicate with God. That is why our relationship is not dependent on the
clause, “if you are the son of God” rather it is “remember me.”
This morning as you celebrate Easter Sunday, remember, that
Jesus is really alive and that He remembers you and is willing to accompany you
along life’s journey. We need no longer resign to death, suffering and failure
instead let us look forward to resurrection possibilities in our circumstances.
Dear Lord, Thank you that you make all things new. Thank
you for the victory and power in your Name. Thank you that you hold the keys
over death, that by your might, Jesus was raised from the grave, paving the way
for us to have new life with you. Thank you that you had plan, that you made a
way. Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in
this world, for your glory and purposes. Set you way before us. May all your
plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to a world that so
desperately needs your presence and healing. In the resurrected Name of Jesus, Amen.
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