He Is Risen as He Said

 

Pastor Allen was reading from Matthew 28 On the first day of the week, the women came to the sepulcher.

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:  And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  He is not here; for he is risen, as He said.

Can you imagine the fearful experience of a huge earthquake, an angel whose face shone like lightning, and the guards shaking speechless?   

One thing to note are the words “As He said.”  God is faithful and He keeps His word.

We are free from the curse because of the empty tomb.  The tomb could not hold Him.

The cross was necessary - - and the resurrection was essential.

When Jesus on the cross said, “It is finished,” He was not merely saying his human life was done, but that the old covenant was finished.  There was no further need for the priests to make the animal sacrifices.  The Lamb of God (Jesus) was slain once and for all, and was the final sacrifice.   

I am reminded that at the cross, we left the old person we used to be and will never be the same.  At the resurrection we were made alive and passed from death unto life on that day.  The resurrection was a new day and a new beginning. 

As the disciples viewed Jesus on the cross, they were terrified.  They had followed him for three years and now their leader was dead.  Peter was devastated for he had just committed what he vowed he would never do. He had denied the Lord not once, but three times.

Have you ever gone back on your word?  Promised to make a call, and forgot to follow up?

We get discouraged, stuff happens, there are medical conditions, job loss, perhaps betrayal, but understand it is NOT over until you say it is.  Stand up and take a step forward.

Pastor said, “I wake up with a nice list of things I need to do, but then I get distracted and often don’t follow through.” 

Regardless of our choices, God is faithful and He keeps His word.

As we take communion, may we reflect inwardly; Are we where God wants us to be?  If not, are you willing to make a step toward change?  Jesus has provided a way to be back with Him in a right relationship.  His blood can wash away any sin and provides a fresh start.

Lord we thank you for your broken body and your blood that was shed for our sins and our healing.