An Easter Devotional by Doctrines of Faith; “He is Risen.”
He was the most famous man in history. His story has spanned the globe, and His words have inspired mankind to love, give, forgive, and be merciful. He has taught us of our gifts, and He has taught us lessons that no school book could ever dictate. Eyewitness accounts spoke of His words, His tribulation, His grace, His loyalty, His devotion, His humility, His sacrifice. He has been ridiculed more than any man in history. He has been loved and worshiped just the same.
The Grand Power of Jesus Christ
He gave His all to those He loved, and called out to all men to hear those words which had the power to save. He raised the dead, and He healed the sick. He walked for miles, and He carried the cross up to the destiny of you and I. On the day He knew He would be betrayed, He gave the most powerful message ever known to men. He knew He was faced with death, and yet His glory was ready to shine. Though He knew of the pain and suffering that was in store, for you and I, He walked that road with us in His heart.
During the last meal He ate, whilst sitting at a table with loyal followers, He said:
“Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me…” (Matt 26:21)
They did not expect this, for it was not revealed what was in store. He continued, after their surprise, to say,
“The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” (Matt 26:23-24)
The one who would betray Him was right there. Jesus acknowledged Judas, knowing what was about to happen. Knowing this, Jesus went on to say a few words.
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matt 26:26-30)
Inevitable Grace
He stood before a governor, and He stood before the people. He was soon to be mocked, humiliated, berated, and led to the “place of the skull” where He would take His last breath. No matter what the circumstances, the outcome would be the same. Jesus would lose His life. This was for two reasons. First, because it was written, and prophesied that such would happen. The scriptures needed to be proven true. Second, Jesus was about to give mankind the greatest sacrificial gift that could never again be matched by another human. The gift, not only of heavenly life after earthly life, but also the path to get there. This was only through grace of the Lord, granted to us without us asking for it. The grace would be shown through the undeserved forgiveness of man. The grace alone that was offered by Christ was indeed a gift that would last forever.
He is Risen.
They waited a short time to visit the grave. Mary was the first person to proclaim the message which would stand the test of time, and be remembered each year from then unto the day Christ comes again. “He is Risen”. While many were off continuing in their lives, those who loved Him wept and grieved at the loss of their dear Lord. But soon thereafter, it would be known throughout the land that death was going to mean life. And life for sinners would never be the same, as long as they came to know the Risen Lord. Sinners around the world would one day in their lives be introduced to the life in Christ. Things would change for them. They would realize salvation through realizing they are redeemed. Some would hear of it and it would not mean much. Some would hear of it and it would mean everything.
Matthew 28:5-7 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
Where do you stand with Jesus today? If you were to live every day thinking of His precious blood that was shed, so that each drop of blood would be another sin which you could be forgiven for, would your life change? What if each and every day held a moment of silent remembrance and reflection, wherein you asked yourself, “Just how much love did it take for Christ to die for me, and all these people around me?” Would your days be changed?
The risen Lord did not leave on that fateful day that He was brought back up to glory. Still he remained with us, only in a higher state where we could not see Him, yet He could still see us. The love of Christ is like the warm sunshine on your face in Spring, or the peaceful heart you feel when at easy rest. However could we let a day go by resisting such a warmth of His loving embrace? However could we go a week without raising our hands to Him in gratitude, in tears of inner joy and praise, that He loved us so much as to go and prepare for us a home, which we could reside in forever?
What is Easter to you? Do you think of it each year and hope for the warmth of Spring? Or do you welcome it as a hope for the eternal heavenly place that awaits? Do you look for buds of a flower on the ground? Or, do you look to the skies and thank your Father for the grand magnificence that awaits? What is Easter to you? Let us never forget the Risen Lord, or the perfect love that He has offered to us, now unto forever.
May your day be blessed with goodness, joy and peace. May you celebrate in your very own special way, knowing that the Lord your God is with you wherever you are, whether alone, or with loved ones. May you celebrate it with full intent of making this most special day about the Lord, and take some time to glorify Him. God’s grace to you, whether you attend a church service or spend the day in quiet reflection. For, either way, the Lord is with you.
Glory be to the Risen Lord, our Father and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Please take a moment out of your day to be in silence and watch the video below.
The Crucifixion Site of Jesus