From Sorrow To Joy: Jesus Has Risen

-April 17, 2022-

Good morning, happy Easter, happy Resurrection Day,

“Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ When He had said this, He showed them His hands and side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.”

(John 20:19-20).

After Jesus was crucified, all the disciples were extremely sad. The women were sad, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus were sad, and the eleven apostles were sad. They were also very fearful of the Jews, so they met together secretly. But all that changed when Jesus rose from the dead. Their sorrow was turned into joy. John records in John 20:20, “Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.” He was alive and showed them His hands and side. This verse shows their spiritual vision was 20-20.

Thomas wasn’t with them on this occasion. Even when those who testified to him that Jesus was alive – he refused to believe until he saw the risen Savior with his own two eyes. Eight days later when they gathered again and Thomas was with them this time, he got his desire. Jesus said to him, “…Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing” (John 20:27). He did believe and said, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28)!

Because Jesus lives, we live with Him, and will one day be in heaven with Him. He gives us joy, peace, and hope to face whatever comes our way. He turns our sorrow into joy. He is with us all through our lives. The song writer Alfred H. Ackley said it well, “Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! The hope of all seek Him, the help of all who find, none other is so loving, so good and kind. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.”

The early Christians had a wonderful greeting upon seeing a fellow believer. The first would say, “The Lord is risen!” Then his brother would reply, “The Lord is risen indeed.” May we live our lives fully for our risen Savior, and serve Him with all our hearts.

Have a blessed Resurrection Day, rejoicing in our Lord and all that He has done for us. Stay safe and healthy.

Rejoicing in the resurrection of Jesus,

Dean