He Is Risen

-April 9, 2023-

Good morning, happy Lord’s Day, happy Easter,

“But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go and tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will find Him, as He said to you.’”

(Mark 16:6-7).

Jesus is the only religious leader whose bones are not in a grave. He rose from the dead to give us life, hope, peace, and joy. He is a living Savior who is seated at the right hand of God. Just as the disciples testified that He arose we must go and do likewise. Easter has always been about the resurrection not about Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, and Easter gifts and cards. Though they have their place if they give glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.

The news of Christ’s resurrection spread to the disciples, though at first they did not believe it. It was an unprecedented miracle. The angel gave the news first to the godly women, Mary Magdalene was the first one to see Jesus in His new body, then He appeared to ten of the disciples. Thomas was not present, so Jesus appeared to them next time when Thomas was present. He would not believe unless he could touch His wounds.

Mark is the only gospel writer who mentions Peter specifically. The Lord knew that he had denied Him three times and that Peter needed forgiveness and restoration. Peter went on be to a great apostle, evangelist, leader, preacher, and teacher. The resurrection gave all of them great inspiration and motivation.

The hymn writer Alfred H. Ackley wrote, “I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, and just the time I need Him He’s always near.” The chorus says, “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.”

I have never been to Israel but I would like to very much. I would go to the empty garden tomb and see it and all the other places mentioned in Scripture. Have a blessed and joyful Easter, rejoicing that we have a living Savior and we live because He lives. Stay safe and healthy.

Living with Jesus, because of Jesus, and for Jesus,

Dean