Jesus is risen! So what?
You may be fully aware of the resurrection of Jesus, but
have you truly experienced a transformational encounter with the risen Christ?
“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless
and so is your faith…. Your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1
Corinthians 15:14, 17).
Shortly after Jesus rose from the dead, His followers had
specific life-changing personal encounters with Him. Like them, our personal
encounter with the risen Lord can turn our sorrow into joy, our fear into
peace, and our unbelief into faith.
Sorrow into Joy (John
20: 10-16)
You may be grieving with hopelessness like Mary Magdalene
who was weeping when she saw the empty tomb of her beloved Master Teacher. But Jesus
called her by name, “Mary… why are you crying?”
Amidst your hopelessness, Jesus calls you by name and asks, “Why
are you crying?”. Behind this question is the power that raised Him from the
dead; the same power that transforms you sorrow into the fullness of His joy
(John 15:11). Jesus knows what you are going through and whatever your
circumstance, Jesus promises to be with you. (Isaiah 43: 1-2)
Fear into Peace (John
20:19-21)
After Jesus’ crucifixion, the fearful disciples huddled
behind locked doors. Suddenly, the risen Christ appeared to them saying, ”Peace
be with you… Peace be with you as the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.”
Jesus gives us peace that removes our paralyzing fear,
enabling us to pursue His plan for us. Like the disciples, who were fearful, we
may have fears about the future. But fear not, for Jesus has promised us His
peace. (John 14: 26-27)
Unbelief into Faith
(John 20:24-29)
Jesus was gracious to Thomas despite his unbelief, telling
the disciples to stop doubting but believe. Thomas words upon seeing Jesus, “My
Lord and my God!” attests to his transformational encounter with the risen Jesus.
Like Thomas, we may set conditions and demand visible proof
before we surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. But Jesus said, “…blessed are
those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The problems of life darken our vision of the presence and power
of God, resulting in struggles with sorrow, fear and unbelief. But the risen
Christ has given us light to overcome our struggles. God turns our sorrow into
joy, our fear into peace and our unbelief into faith. He may or may not change
our circumstances, but His agenda and purpose will be fulfilled.
The truth about the risen Lord is that His resurrection
transforms and impacts the life of His people for His purpose: “…these are
written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that
by believing you may have life in His name.” The world can never equal or
replace the life of joy, peace and faith that Jesus gives. Jesus died and
indeed rose again so that we may have life and have it abundantly.
