In this current stage of life we are in — full of turmoil, earthquakes, tsunamis, political upheaval, national economic downfalls, etc. — many of us find ourselves in such a state that we actually feel “dead.” Some of us have experienced joblessness, homelessness, being without transportation, even lack of support from loved ones.
In these situations, deep depression can set in, and for all intents and purposes, we are as the "living dead." But hallelujah! We have an all powerful God in the resurrection business! He can change our situation faster than we can think about praying for a change. What are we to do while we wait for a resurrection? In His timing, when our loving God comes along and resurrects us from our miry clay, we can breathe easier, but then what?
If you are still in need of being resurrected, recall what Jesus said when He appeared to the first person, Mary Magdalene, after His resurrection. She certainly had been resurrected from a life full of sin and consequently became a devout follower of Christ. I believe it’s very significant that he chose her to appear to first. She had been looked down upon in her society because of her past sins, and she was a woman, already seen as a non-equal by most men of her day. Jesus’ messages to you may come from someone you least expect, so keep your spiritual antennae alert. In John 20:15, He asked Mary, “Why are you weeping?” and “Whom are you seeking?” The message here is that while we are weeping—during out darkest hours, in the midst of our wilderness, whatever it may be—we are also to seek God.
If you are in the process of being resurrected, perhaps you need a boost to get back on the right track. In John 21, Jesus also appeared to the disciples after His resurrection while they were out on the boat fishing. This is where the very familiar story of Peter walking on the water occurred, but take a deeper look at what Jesus said to them in verse 6: “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” Apparently, they had been fishing on the left side of the boat and caught nothing. Jesus was telling them to do things a different way. Many times, we get into routines in our lives and don’t consider alternative ways to accomplish things. Today’s economy and societal shifts demand considering different ways to accomplish your goals. How many thousands of people are focused on getting the same job you are applying for via the Internet, the same way? Stand out from the crowd and do it differently. Here’s a thought: write a letter and send it by express mail.
The last words Jesus commanded to us after His resurrection was that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). Who is the last person you told about Jesus?
For those who have entered into life after resurrection, know that Jesus got you up so you could continue to ascend, as He did, to the Father. The word “ascend” means to move upward or to rise from a lower level. How is your relationship with the Father? Have you done anything different lately to go higher spiritually? Do you know any more Bible verses than you did last year? Are you able to boldly share your testimony with others who are in the same situation you were in, and in so doing, be used of God in their resurrection?
After the resurrection but before Jesus ascended, He also imparted to us the awesome gift of the Holy Spirit (John 20:22). With this amazing power, the same power that God used to resurrect our beloved Jesus, the Christ, you can do what seems impossible.
If you are in the process of being resurrected, perhaps you need a boost to get back on the right track. In John 21, Jesus also appeared to the disciples after His resurrection while they were out on the boat fishing. This is where the very familiar story of Peter walking on the water occurred, but take a deeper look at what Jesus said to them in verse 6: “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” Apparently, they had been fishing on the left side of the boat and caught nothing. Jesus was telling them to do things a different way. Many times, we get into routines in our lives and don’t consider alternative ways to accomplish things. Today’s economy and societal shifts demand considering different ways to accomplish your goals. How many thousands of people are focused on getting the same job you are applying for via the Internet, the same way? Stand out from the crowd and do it differently. Here’s a thought: write a letter and send it by express mail.
The last words Jesus commanded to us after His resurrection was that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). Who is the last person you told about Jesus?
For those who have entered into life after resurrection, know that Jesus got you up so you could continue to ascend, as He did, to the Father. The word “ascend” means to move upward or to rise from a lower level. How is your relationship with the Father? Have you done anything different lately to go higher spiritually? Do you know any more Bible verses than you did last year? Are you able to boldly share your testimony with others who are in the same situation you were in, and in so doing, be used of God in their resurrection?
After the resurrection but before Jesus ascended, He also imparted to us the awesome gift of the Holy Spirit (John 20:22). With this amazing power, the same power that God used to resurrect our beloved Jesus, the Christ, you can do what seems impossible.
Embrace this truth, and ascend--closer and closer--to the Father.
Scripture Of The Day: "And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" - John 20:22 (ESV)
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