Witnesses of Resurrection & Followers of the Risen Christ (re-post)

Witnesses of Resurrection & Followers of the Risen Christ (re-post)

The empty tomb on the Easter morning is a terrific symbol of Christianity. The tomb was opened so we could get in to see that Christ was risen. Christ did not need the tomb to be opened for him to get out. All the time God helps us to see the power of the resurrection. We have a mighty powerful God! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

God has prepared us the way back to him in Jesus. Christ did not need the way but he became the way for us. God resurrected Jesus so we might live through faith in Christ Jesus. God did not leave us alone in the world. He gently prepared the disciples before he went back to heaven. Read the end of the gospel of Luke:

They [disciples]didn’t waste a minute. They were up and on their way back to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and their friends gathered together, talking away: “It’s really happened! The Master has been raised up—Simon saw him!”Then the two went over everything that happened on the road and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.

While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, “Peace be with you.” They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. He continued with them, “Don’t be upset, and don’t let all these doubting questions take over. Look at my hands; look at my feet—it’s really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn’t have muscle and bone like this.” As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. They still couldn’t believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true.

He asked, “Do you have any food here?” They gave him a piece of leftover fish they had cooked. He took it and ate it right before their eyes. Then he said, “Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled.”

He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it. You’re the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.”

He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven. And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes. (Luke 24:33-53, MSG)

I just love how lovingly Christ guided the disciples to understand the power of his resurrection. He gave them precise instructions to wait for the Holy Spirit before venturing out to the world. God is guiding us, too. He is gently and lovingly whispering guidance into our ears.

The power of the resurrection is real. It’s meant for us, too. It’s meant for us and every single human being on this green earth. It is time to celebrate! It is time to share! It is time to take it seriously and live it out like it was meant to! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Gracious God,
Thank you for your gift of salvation!
Thank you for being always with us!
Guide us to live out our faith in Risen Christ.
Guide us to share the good news so that
everyone could know your love, grace & peace.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you journey on as a follower of the Risen Christ!

Q4U: How are you called to share the Good News of the Risen Christ?

This post was first published 4/2010.

Photo courtesy of Steven Curtz

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