"He's Not Here"

     As the sun came up over Jerusalem some 2000 years ago today, Mary Magdeline and Mary, mother of James approached the sealed, soldier guarded tomb of Jesus.  When they arrived, they were shocked to discover that the stone covering the tomb had been rolled away.  They looked into the tomb and there, in a white robe, sat an angel saying Jesus had risen.  (Gospel of Mark)

     Think about it.... the tomb was sealed and guarded by soldiers.  Soldiers that would be severely punished should anything happen to Jesus' body . . .yet . . . he was gone!!!   (As predicted 500-1000 years before.)

     Both Peter and John rushed to the tomb and were amazed Jesus was no longer there.  After this they FINALLY started connecting a few of the dots of the message Jesus gave at the Last Supper.

     Jesus appeared to his disciples many times during the next 40 days. During that time: 

1). He proved He was still alive.  Confirmed to the disciples that he fulfilled the prophecy of Old by rising from the grave.  (Luke 24). Therefore, guaranteeing eternal life if we believe in HIM.  He Continued to prepare the disciples for their ministry to the world.

2). He made things right with Peter by asking him to tend to HIS sheep 3 times.  (John 21) As a result Peter became recognized as the most influential apostle after the Pentecost.  

3) He proved to "Doubting Thomas" He was alive by allowing Thomas to stick his hand into the wound He suffered when the Roman soldier pierced His side. (John 20)

4). He prepared the disciples for the coming of The Holy Spirit.  And told them they and future disciples (us) would have the SAME power for miracles and healing as He did, through the spirit.  (Mark 16)

5) He ate with the disciples (Luke 24)

6) He helped the disciples catch many fish and cooked a meal for them on the shores of Galilee.  (Matthew)

7) He appeared to over 500 people.  (1 Corinthians)

8)  He gave his commission to "go out into the world and make disciples of all nations."

    Then, on the 40th and his last day after his resurrection, in the town of Bethany on the Mount of Olives, Jesus ascended into heaven to be seated at the right hand of the Father.  Back to where He was "In the Beginning."  His earthly job was complete.  The crucifixion and resurrection were the post powerful and important days in the history of the world.  For all who believe this in their hear and confess it with their mouth, they will be saved.  (Romans 10:9)

Now, after the resurrection of Jesus many amazing things have happened.  

     Nine days after His Ascension, The Holy Spirit came upon and indwelled the apostles (Acts 2) where they spoke in tongues and then performed miracles (Just as Jesus said in the upper room) and they travelled far and wide to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

     During the next 30 years of sharing the gospel over thousands of miles, all but one of the original 12 apostles would suffer brutal deaths for sharing Jesus' message. As a result and our continued efforts, today . . . There are some 2.5 - 3 billion Christians living int his world.  That's billions of people who will share eternity in heaven!

     Are you in Awe of this story?  That God would sacrifice His Son so that anyone who believes in Jesus, His Crucifixion and Resurrection would be totally forgiven of their sins and share eternity with HIM?  As a Believer, you died with HIM on that cross Friday.  And this morning you rose with HIM.  That’s how important His resurrection was.  Because of your belief in these events, your Identity becomes Christ as His Spirit infuses with yours forever. . .  NEVER to be separated from God again.   

     Think about that … because of your belief, the MOST POWERFUL AND LOVING BEING EVER lives in you.  THE EXACT same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is IN YOU and He will NEVER leave!  When we realize this fact, and grow in this knowledge and identity, we soar on wings like eagles!

Thanks for a blessed week.  God's love to you all . . .