For Real?

For the first time in my life, I felt in my heart to stop and take some time to reflect on the Easter story. The Easter season has always been when we do church and go through the motions and listen to the account of Jesus dying on the cross and rising from death on the third day. This time was different; I have been in awe of everything Jesus had to go through for me (and the world) to get me closer to my Father.

For some years now, some Christians and I have gone through the Easter season passively without actually valuing the price Jesus paid on the cross for the world. I have realised that what God did for the world is a big deal. 

I love the resurrection story recorded in Luke 24:10-11 ESV where Mary Magdalene, Joana and Mary, the mother of James, told the apostles that Jesus has risen! I can’t imagine the look on their faces when they heard the news of the day, “Jesus has Risen!”. They must have been terrified and feeling mixed emotions. It must have been a tense atmosphere as the followers of Jesus were all hiding for fear of the Jews. When they finally caught up with what the women said, Peter and John decided to run to the tomb to confirm the resurrection for themselves.

Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. John 20:3-9 NLT

What a competitive moment it must have been, both disciples racing to see who got to the tomb first. I love this scenario; it reminded me of myself when the competitive spirit rises in me when playing games. This scripture also highlights how human the disciples were.

Just recently, at the start of spring, I went for a walk one foggy morning with my eldest daughter, who is now 12 years old. I must say, I really enjoyed hanging out with her as I learnt so much from her. The fog was so thick that we couldn’t see ahead of us. As you can imagine, we took our time walking and just enjoying the glory. The fog had entirely covered a playground nearby, but we started to see the playground again as we walked closer. This experience with my daughter prompted a conversation. We began to talk about how God’s promises to us seem so far off in a moment, but as we get closer, we begin to see His promises spoken over us come to pass. The playground was there all along but was covered by the fog, and we couldn’t see it. This experience also taught me how fear could hide the truth.

Peter was just like you and me. Mostly, we like to see things before believing. You might disagree with me on this point now, but you know it’s true. I know Jesus told doubting Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” John 20:29 ESV. The reality is, you don’t believe everything like a child. You sometimes doubt and then go through the motions with the Lord before believing. Peter was dealing with the guilt of betraying Jesus three times, grief and fear which had clouded his faith. We all go through challenging times in life, but the good news is, though we suffer, we are set apart for God, and He is with us through it all. So there may be times when life would be challenging but know that the Lord will never leave you nor forsake you to go through it alone. He will use everything for your good and His glory.

Weeping maybe for a night, but Joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5 ESV 

So no matter how things may seem, this scripture is a reminder that our situation is temporary and Joy is on the way. This gives me so much hope. Peter eventually believed that Jesus rose from the dead Acts 2:24,32 NLT. He saw Jesus himself, ate with Him, and talked with Him.

So what is so important about the resurrection of Jesus that Christians celebrate every year? I will share few thoughts with you.

1. To fulfil scriptures about Jesus. Luke 24:44
2. Death cannot have a hold on us anymore. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57
3. The power for salvation. Romans 1:16 NLT
4. If Jesus was not raised from the dead, then the Christian faith is in vain, and we are still sinners. 1 Corinthians 15:14,17
5. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now forever lives in us. Romans 8:11, Ephesians 1:19-20

The death of Jesus allowed us to be sons and daughters of our Father eternally, and we connect to Him through the Holy Spirit.

So Jesus is God (John 1:1). He is the Son of God, sent from heaven to live among people to feel what we feel as humans, and ultimately He gave His life for sinners to hang Him on the cross for our sins, and on the third day, God raised Him from the dead.

Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Hallelujah! Jesus is Risen for Real!!

Prayer

Our Father, thank You for the gift of Your son Jesus Christ.
I am grateful that I am made whole by His death and resurrection.
Thank you for calling me Your child and for loving me.
May Your peace and Your power continue to guide me in everything I do.
In times when I face challenges that are too much for me to bear, may I run to You and trust that You have a plan for me
Thank you for Your love and grace.
In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!

If you don’t know Jesus and want to know Him, you can meet him right now. Just pray this prayer with me.

Our Father, thank you for Jesus.
Thank you for the sacrifice on the cross that took my sins away.
I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savour
Come into my heart
I believe He died, He was buried, and He rose again from the dead, the third day.
Because He lives, I can now live a new life of purpose and destiny.
Thank you for Your love.
In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!

If you prayed this prayer, you are now a new person, all your sins are wiped away, and you are now a son/daughter of our Father. Congratulations! All the Angels in heaven are celebrating you right now!

We will like to connect with you and help you on your new journey with the Lord. Please click on this link or our contact us page, and we will get in touch with you to support you. Thank you, and God bless you.

 May you be filled with the Fullness of God and the Power of His Love!