Risen!

   “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.” -Matthew 28:6-8      

   Everything we as Christians hold to, the totality of our belief system and all hope of future blessings merge at this sacred moment. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of eternal life and demonstration of God’s great love for us as well as the Son’s worthiness to be the propitiation for our sins. Only in the heart of God could such a plan be conceived and only through His divine nature could it be accomplished. Even moments after Jesus arose the call to His followers went out to declare the good news and also to direct their next move. While suffering of the cross Jesus still had us on His heart and mind. Such love we are limited to comprehend and understand this side of Heaven.   

   Within the passages above we find three simple but very important phrases that each Christian should be reminded of. The first being “come and see.” Before we can do anything else we must first see Jesus. It’s not a robotic obedience to a religion founded by a distant deity that drives the Christian but a personal relationship with a loving and caring Savior. To come and see is to come and experience Him and know Him intimately. His Spirit convicts us of our sin and instantly reveals the path of deliverance from their penalty. What an amazing Lord we serve.   

   Next His followers are told to “go and tell.” The vacant tomb proclaims death could not hold God. The resurrection confirms He is the acceptable sacrifice and approved by the Father. This revelation has changed the world forever and we should shout it from the rooftops. It’s not enough to secure salvation for ourselves, the lost world is in need of the same grace we hold dear. Go and tell the wonderful story of how Christ has made you whole.

   Finally we are told “He goes before us.” What comfort to know wherever we go and whatever we face Christ is already there preparing the way for us. Though we may not see a friendly face in times of trial or difficulty we can rest assured Jesus has gone before us and will walk with us every step of the way. His promised presence is enough to face all the future has and rejoice in knowing that because He lives we will live also!