He Had Indeed Risen!

I recently read an insightful story about a group of climbers who set out to scale a large mountain in Europe. The view boasted a breathtaking peak of snow-capped rocks. On clear days the crested point reigned as king on the horizon. Its white tip jutted into the blue sky inviting admiration and offering inspiration.

On days like this the hikers made the greatest progress. The peak stood above them like a compelling goal. Eyes were called upward. The walk was brisk. The cooperation was unselfish. Though many, they climbed as one, all looking to the same summit.

Yet on some days the peak of the mountain was hidden from view. The cloud covering would eclipse the crisp blueness with a drab, gray ceiling and block the vision of the mountaintop. On these days the climb became arduous. Eyes were downward and thoughts inward. The goal was forgotten. Tempers were short. Weariness was an uninvited companion. Complaints stung like thorns on the trail.

We’re like that, aren't we? As long as we can see our dream, as long as our goal is within eyesight, there is no mountain we can’t climb or summit we can’t scale. But take away our vision, block our view of the trail’s end, and the result is as discouraging as the journey.   -Lucado, M. (1987). God came near : Chronicles of the Christ (189–190). Portland, Or.: Multnomah Press

Most of us are familiar with the story of Christ's death and Resurrection. But, what happened after this? After all, this too is a very important part of the Easter Story; from which the basis of faith in contemporary times can be discerned.

If we examine Luke 24:13-40, we read that two of the disciples were walking on the road toward Emmaus. (This is taking place shortly after the disciples heard, but did not understand, that Jesus had risen and the tomb was empty.) So, as the disciples are walking along, talking about what might have happened; Jesus himself drew near and went them. As they walked he asked them what they were discussing.

The two, at this time, could not recognize Jesus. One of the disciples, a man named Cleopas, assumed Jesus was a visitor because He seemed unfamiliar with the events of the previous days. They explained what had happened prior to, during, and after the Crucifixion.

Finally, Jesus spoke up about the foolishness and lack of faith the two men had. He explained why all the events were necessary and spoke about the scriptures which discussed these things.

The men invited Jesus to stay with them, as night was falling. When they arrived at their destination, they ate. Jesus blessed the bread and broke it. Then, their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus--and He vanished. The men finally understood that Jesus had indeed risen.

The men immediately got up and went back to Jerusalem to tell the other apostles what they had seen. During this very discussion, Jesus appeared yet again. Jesus assured them that He was not a ghost. Next, He again explained--now to all the men--about the scriptures and the things that had to transpire.

What Jesus refers to here are the teachings He had already given them concerning His departure and Resurrection. Another thing Jesus had previously explained to the disciples was concerning the Holy Spirit. Jesus told the men that He must go to prepare a place for them, but that He will leave for them the Holy Spirit as a comforter and helper. Jesus tells the men that the Holy Spirit will abide with and within them (John 14:16-17).

Many people today question how it is that one can believe in, and have faith in, a God they cannot see. John 14:16-17 is the answer to such a question. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are able to believe. The Holy Spirit is a spirit of truth and will lead us to the correct knowledge concerning God and Christ. Additionally, when this Spirit abides within us, we feel its influence. Thus, while some deny God exists based on being unable to see God, what they do not understand is that Christians can feel God. What more proof would one need?

Jesus says if you love Him, you will keep His commandments (John 14:15). Won't you ask Christ to forgive you of your sins and become your Lord today, so that you too can receive the Holy Spirit and understand what faith is all about?

This is the reason all these things He mentioned took place. So that He could rise again and offer us Salvation.

Scripture: John 6:40; Hebrews 11:19; Romans 8:38-39; Romans 6:4; Luke 14:14; Acts 24:15; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Philippians 3:21; John 6:39

Prayer: Lord, we come before you as we are.
We ask you to take away from us
 all that makes us less than human.
Strengthen us with the power of your Spirit
 that our attitude and outlook may develop,
 and our “way of looking”
 may become more like yours.
Help us to remain positive -
 encouraging and appreciating one another,
 looking upon people in the same way that you do. Amen

-special thanks to Angela Ramos

Have a blessed day!

Shelby