MATTHEW 28:1-6 – Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”
THEME OF THE DAY: JESUS IS ALIVE AND IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Ask any Christian if they believe Jesus rose from the dead and is alive today, and we will receive a resounding “Yes, hallelujah, praise the Lord, Jesus is alive.” Now ask that same Christian, “What difference is Jesus’ resurrection and the fact He is alive making in your daily life?” I am not sure we would get the same enthusiastic response. Test my statement.
Is Jesus’ resurrection and being alive making a difference today in how you handle trials? Are you complaining or praising in them? Are you living above tough circumstances by the power of Jesus’ resurrection (Philippians 3:10)? Or is the resurrection of Jesus, and Him being alive right now simply facts in your head but not enabling you to live with joy, hope, and strength despite life’s difficulties? Friends, Jesus is alive, and it makes all the difference. Here are two ways, there are more, Him being alive impacts our daily lives.
First, Jesus’ resurrection and Him being alive assures us that He is able and does pray for us – constantly; Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25). Don’t take it for granted when people tell us they are praying for us. It is one of the most important expressions of love to have other believers pray for us. Now think about that as it applies to the Creator. Our Lord, King, Master, Redeemer, and Friend prays for us, and He never forgets. Nothing will lift us from the pit of discouragement caused by trying circumstances quicker than to know that the One who controls our circumstances, constantly prayers for us in our circumstances. Remember this heart-warming truth when we feel life’s challenges are drowning us. Jesus is alive and prays for us.
Another application of Jesus’ resurrection and the fact He is alive is that His power to live the Christian life is not only available, but in us. The Apostle Paul would pray that the Ephesian believers would realize this astounding truth – For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might (Ephesians 1:15-19) Learn to daily apply our Lord’s resurrection power by faith. For instance, when a temptation confronts us, stop and speak to it – “I don’t have to give into you and sin. Christ is alive, living in me, and by His resurrection, I am delivered from you.” If we constantly practice this exercise of faith, we will not fall to temptation.
Jesus is alive! And yes, it makes all the difference, not only for eternity, but today in our daily fight against sin and for holiness. Rejoice, He really is alive!
PRAYER: “Father, forgive me when I forget the resurrection of Your Son and its implications for my daily life.”
QUOTE: “Jesus is alive and Christians must not only believe that, but live that truth. It makes all the difference.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim