This is the final devotional in the series Knowing Him: An Easter Devotional (view all days)
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” (John 20:1-2)
How difficult was it for the one who is Lord of the universe–who had a hand in the creation itself, who is the very force of life that holds living things together–to wake up from the sleep of death and set aside the burial cloths draping his body?
As was always the case, Jesus’ revelations of himself did not happen with television cameras focused, not even a respectable crowd gathered. An alarming word from young Mary Magdalene about Jesus’ body being gone produced a panic and a foot race among two of Jesus’ beloved disciples, Peter and John. One looked and merely saw the emptiness of the tomb, the other saw the connection between this moment and the mysterious words of Jesus–and he believed.
Now things were really complicated and the disciples just went home. But it was to a broken-hearted Mary who stayed at the tomb that Jesus revealed himself. Mary was the first to behold something the world had never seen before–a resurrected, transformed life.
Resurrection day for Jesus was simply the first installment of a resurrection of masses of people when this era of the history of the universe draws to a close. What God promises to those who belong to Jesus is not the loss of self into a nothingness-bliss, but the resurrection and re-making of everything that is right and good in the world he has created. And until then, he invites us to begin living transformed lives, continually shaped and changed by the hope of the redemption of all that God has made.
Ponder This: Where in your life do you need the resurrection power of Jesus at work today?
Ineed Jesus in every area and aspect of my life. I thank God that Jesus died and rose from the Dead.
I would like myself and family faith be resurrected. I would like my extended familyraith be resurrected. I would like my health, health of my family and extended families to be resurrected. I would like my authority and influence to serve God to be resurrected. I would like my living and thinking and time be in abundant and come to life be resurrected. I would like my travelling in all four corners of the world spreading the good word of God and assisting the poor in faith be resurrected. I would like the might to succeed in everything I do be resurrected. The power to heal the sick and the power to cast away evil spirits in those possessed be resurrected. I ask all these in Jesus name, Amen!
I need JESUS resurrected self daily to guide me, otherwise I would stray into sin. There is NO doubt
in my mind that HE is ALIVE and guiding my every step, every moment of every day whether alsleep
or awake. HALLELUJAH HE IS ALIVE TODAY.
I need the power of the resurrection every day. I pray that I continue to start my day with Him, continue my day with Him spreading His word in thought, word and deed, and end my day with Him with thanks and prayer. It is because of the resurrection that I am able to do this. Thank You Lord for my faith and your presence in my daily life.
I prayed dat his death and Resurrection nt b in VAIN in ma life may dat BLOOD of his crucifion save ma Soul may he mak me A Heavenly bound, may d ARAB WORLD Knw dat JESUS iz only way.
I prayed dat his death and Resurrection nt b in VAIN in ma life may dat BLOOD of his crucifixon save my Soul may he make me A Heavenly bound, may d ARAB WORLD Know dat JESUS is only way.
cyril_james2001@yahoo.com
I need the Lord at the very moment that He decides to anoint me with awakening each day and throughout the day on my walk of life.
I need the resurrection power of Jesus in my life today because I want to move to a Vermont nursing home from a Tennessee nursing home. My daughter and her family live in Vermont, and as I get older, I realize that I really do need to be with my family to make things easier for myself and for them. I would also just love to see my grandkids grow up. I would have to go on a stretcher, and that kind of transportation is quite expensive…… about $7000. I would need about $4000 plus what I already have to move myself and my belongings. I am just asking God to provide that.
I have resurrection power in my life in the sense that I have accepted the life that Jesus offered many years ago. However I don’t walk around with this power in my life. If you were to ask me at any time during the day if I had eternal life I would respond by saying yes. But it is not a real live hope for me. I mean I know that it is true. But I have trouble seeing or planning beyond today. I have never been a great planner I think because I have never been able to look into the future. I am not saying any of this to say, that I don’t not enjoy my salvation because I do. But to say that I walk around with a hope of meeting Jesus today I don’t.
The daily devotions leading up to Resurrection Sunday have been outstanding; thank you very much!!
in Christ,
Robert
I more than anybody though I am a believer need the guidance of the word in my life. And I thank the Lord everyday of my life for what he has done for all. Today is another day to celebrate Jesus ressurection because we should celebrate what Jesus has done for us all the time.
the re-making of everything good and right and pure in the world today.. Praise and glory to the king of peace ..HE IS RISEN..IMMANUAL!!!
I need the power of the Lord’s Ressuirection in each moment of the life I have been gifted under the overflow of Grace. That I live into the next heart beat and humbly serve God.
He is risen in all who would invite His Light in to their lives.
Maranatha.
My Step-daughter’s happiness.
In my ministry. It is the product of a broken church. I need all the power of God to lead the people I am called to pastor. I also need that power in my pharmacy practice. The world has turned a profession into a commodity. I still want to heal people.
I think that Jesus is still live in our hearts and will be back to save us from this world .For all us have sin and we repent from evils ways and put our trust in God . Believe that Jesus has risen and gone to heaven he will be back some day but I don’t know when. That why I like Easter because I know that want happen on sunrise Easter morning.
In the midst of my marriage uncertainty, it is the Lord Jesus who is still to be praised. He never ceased to grant hope through His resurrection. He conquered death to life, and so nothing more would be impossible for Him to do…even to mend hurts and broken relationships! Glory to the Father through Him! Amen
I need Jesus’s resurrecting power – every hour. Without specifics, or making it look as if I’m making wishes; I ask that Jesus’s resurrecting power in my life by furthering my relationship with Him – by renewing my spirit constantly, growing my walk with faith, discerning His voice, healing hurts of my heart, setting truth in my mind, peace in my being, revelation of my sins, and every other aspect in my life where I become more like Him, and less like me.
With His resurrecting power, we can become more empowered in our lives to do His will, overcome the sting of death, fear, confusion, and everything else evil.
I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE IN THE HEARTS OF THE NON BELIEVERS, AND THAT WE NEED A WAY TO REACH THESE PEOPLE, BY LOVE, SYMPATHY, HONESTY, LOYALITY, FORGIVENESS AND THE TRUSTING OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO PLACE THESE IDEAS AND HOPE INTO THE NON BELIEVERS. IN MATTHEW 7 IT SAYS ASK AND IT WILL BE GIVEN YOU, SEEK AND YOU WILL FIND, KNOCK AND THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED TO YOU FOR EVERYONE WHO ASKS RECEIVES; THE ONE WHO SEEKS FINDS; AND TO THE ONE WHO KNOCKS, THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED.
Everyday, to remind me that it is the eternal life that should be my focus.
Jesus is AWESOME! NO REALLY. This word actually belongs to God not to some celibrity. Here is some of what I think of Jesus the Great One! Master of the Universe! He leaves me speechless! What kind of loves seeks out its enemies & offers Salvation in place of Sin, Health for Sickness Blessing for Poverty, Eternal life for Eternal Death? That is the definition of AWESOME!!!!
In Canada we’re its Voting Season – GREAT!!!!
…But wait! There’s a new candidate on the block. He’s like no other leader. He will not even call himself a politician. He’s Honest, Humble & Keeps his word EVERY TIME! Cool right? Who doesn’t want a leader like this? I know many people call their son Jesus hoping he is the Great One, the Messiah & Anointed One of God, but this man is more than a name!
He’s been in ministry 3.5 years. Not very long – agreed, but who else has done what HE has done, ANYONE? ANYONE? Ya got nothing!
Let me tell you what this man Jesus has DONE, NOT what he PROMISES to DO, but HAS DONE:
• He blesses little children & shows us how important even the little ones are in Gods eyes
• He drives out demons & tormenting spirits bringing peace to the man no one could control. Yes, the same maniac who could break chains. Jesus busted his chains for good!
• He healed a blind beggar & a crippled beggar & BONUS he forgave their sin. He’s not your ordinary leader. He’s DIFFERENT! He cares more about people than offending church leaders. He walks in the POWER & DEMONSTRATION of God. The others only talk about God.
• Lazarus was dead for three days, starting to stink. Jesus goes to the grave & calls Lazarus out. Everybody knows what happened next. WHO DOES THAT?
• He has performed many miracles. His first was making wine from water & those who drank it said it was the best wine ever!
• John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. The sky opened, a dove came down & rested above Jesus, God the Father spoke from Heaven, “THIS IS THE SON WHOM I LOVE, LISTEN TO HIM!”
If you want your vote to count, Vote Jesus. A vote for Jesus is a vote for:
Healing of body, soul, mind & spirit
Forgiveness & Salvation – no more going to temple once a year with a lamb that only covers your sin. Jesus actually takes them away – Gone FOREVER!
Peace in your heart & relationships
The Holy Spirit is coming when Jesus leaves. We will never be alone.
Prosperity – not just having your needs met, but enough to bless others! Jesus’ idea of prosperity involves your relationship with God & others, your employment, your abilities, your dreams & visions!
Jesus said he will give The Holy Spirit to any believer. There’s more, the Holy Spirit will make you strong & bold & teach you a new language that you can use to communicate with him when Jesus is gone. The Holy Spirit will lead, guide & teach us all truth. Amazing!
I need Him in every part of my life every moment of everyday. I have to lean on Him for everything, or risk trying to “fix” and “control” things in my flesh – that doesn’t work 99.99999% of the time. He is my Rock, my Fortress, my Salvation, in whom I must place my trust. I need Him to be my strength when I am weak, my peace and my joy unspeakable, even in the midst of the chaos around me. I just love Him so much and am so grateful for His love in return. Thank you Lord!!!
HE IS RISEN!
Thank you for your inspirational messages which we have been re-posting on our blog, leading up to this day.
Here is Rev. Dr. Allen Churchill’s powerful message, for today, which we would like to share with you as well:
http://goodnewschristianministries.blogspot.ca/2012/04/resurrection-of-body.html
Blessings,
GNCM.ca
In every aspect of my life I am lacking. I having problems with my friends and have been procrastinating alot. I have a really reserved personality which I hope to get rid off. I’ve been trying to speak out, but I just can’t seem to overcome my character. I’m not sure what’s wrong. I know Paul tells Timothy to be courageous, but timidity is not something you can get rid so easily.
HELP!
Hello Derrick, I am glad you had the courage to submit your honest assessment of your situation. I would be honored to carry on a conversation about these things. I guess we should start with: have you actually come to THE LORD GOD in humble confession and repentance (an admission and turning away from your sin and a turning to God- acknowledging Him as LORD) and asking Him to forgive you and cleanse your sin? And.. the asking must be done on this basis and this alone: That 2000 years ago on Good Friday, God the Father placed all your sins on The LORD JESUS CHRIST and He faced God’s full wrath and punishment as a sin offering – in our place and on our Behalf. This is the only and only reason a Righteous and Holy God can JUSTLY forgive us. This is where new life begins- because when sin that caused our deadness is taken away- the life of God can come flooding in. My email is rod2lin@aol.com– I have much more to say and will listen to you. Rod
I am thanking the team for putting up these powerful series
of “KNOWING HIM”. I was really blessed.
Mel, I appreciate so much all the work you put into preparing and presenting these daily inspirations that spurred us all on, leading up to and throughout the Passion Week of Christ! I looked forward to each one daily and found that each topic helped me focus and to reflect on knowing Him in a deeper way. It was time well spent! Your knowledge of and passion for Him came through! His ongoing resurrection hope and life through you!
So glad to hear it, Mike. Thanks for taking the time to write.
The Jesus that was in my yesterday’ is in my today’ and will be in my tomorrow. Jesus is our Constant’ the center focal point of our Life in Christ. Every breath we take comes from him, Every need, promise, gift, blessing, glory, revelation, grace, forgiveness, life, on and on, our inheritance in Christ is everlasting. What ever belongs to Him is ours, He holds nothing back.
So to answer the question where in my Life do I need the power of the resurrection of Jesus at work today? The answer is to walk by Faith in what Jesus says is truth, not questioning it with doubt, or listening to mans opinion, but to be led by the counselor, your encourager, who promised to lead you into All Truth, that is the Holy Spirit.
Scripture reminds us that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who Love him, But it must be reveiled by the Holy Spirit. So I need the power to walk by Faith in the Finished work of Christ, and to rest in the reality of my identity of who He says I am in Him, a Forgiven Child of the Living Lord and God Jesus Christ…Amen Rest in it!
I need the Resurrection Power of Jesus to take my next breath….each and every day. Thank you God.