Encouragement for Today - May 4, 2009
May 4, 2009
He is Risen! Indeed!
“. . . It is true! The Lord has risen . . .”
Luke 24:34 (NIV)
Devotion:
Last month, I heard the phrase, "He is risen!" Somewhere from the recesses of my memory the return phrase, “He is risen, indeed!" sprang from my mouth.
The phrase “He is risen! Indeed!” is termed as the Paschal or Easter greeting. The term “Paschal” comes from the original Hebrew word pesach referring to the Jewish Passover. Experts on Christian customs believe the greeting originated shortly after Christ’s resurrection. It is popular among both Catholics and Protestants. One person rejoices with “He is risen!” The other answers with the joyous response, “He is risen, indeed!”
A risen Savior changes lives not only for eternity, but right now—today—here on earth. That is a fact to celebrate! Recently my home church illustrated this truth on a Sunday morning by having fifty people stand on stage while holding hand-painted signs. In the beginning, the audience saw only a white piece of poster board. Then, as music played softly, one by one each person flipped his or her own sign over to display the power of the risen Savior in his or her life. The signs read:
Methamphetamine addiction—Drug free
Cancer—Healed
Suicidal—Abundant Life
Lonely—Fellowship
Alcoholism—Sobriety
Filled with bitterness—Learned to forgive
Insecure and unloved—Loved and secure in Jesus
The stage was filled with humanity at its worst, but Jesus at His best. This humble display of the power of Christ moved many members of our congregation to tears. Then, slowly, applause erupted from the auditorium in praise of God. The Apostle John finished his gospel with these compelling words, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written” (John 21:25, NIV). These words apply today just as much as they did in the first century.
I often take for granted what the risen Christ has done for me for eternity, and for today. I lose my gratitude for the ever present power of Jesus’ death and resurrection. But today I have regained my wonder of living in the power of the resurrection. Christ is risen …Indeed!
Dear Lord, You have risen, indeed! Help me to remember each day of the year that You are triumphant in every area of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers
Through All Generations CD by Gwen Smith
Consider joining an Online Community where you can praise the risen Lord and discuss daily life with others.
Visit Susanne’s blog
Application Steps:
If you do not know the risen Savior, Jesus Christ, please click on this link. If you are a Christ follower, show the world, “He is risen! Indeed!”
Reflections:
How does Christ’s resurrection affect me on a day-to-day basis?
Do other people recognize that I am a Christ follower?
Power Verses:
Luke 24:6-7, “He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in
Mark 16:6, “’Don't be alarmed,’ he said. ’You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.’” (NIV)
John 3:16-17, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (NIV)
© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Matthews, NC 28105
