This devotion first aired on the MAD Christian Radio Show
We often talk about Jesus’ death. Now while there is nothing wrong with focusing on His death and the sacrifice that He paid, it would be a pity to miss out on one of the greatest gifts of all that is part of the events on that very first Easter.
You want to hear what it is? I’ll tell you, but be prepared because this little sentence that I’m about to say can change your life. Here it is: Jesus is alive. Yes, He died for our sins, but this Jesus isn’t a historical figure to be buried in history. He was resurrected from the dead, He is alive today and that reality alone can change the course of our lives forever. It is the cornerstone to what the Good News, the Gospel, is all about.
SEARCHING IN THE WRONG PLACE
So often I think we are like the women in the Gospel of Luke who went looking for Jesus in the tomb: we’re searching in the wrong place. Yes, we must meet Jesus at the cross, but unless we embrace the life He offers us here and now through the resurrection, we’re missing out on the entire Gospel message.
Jesus is alive. We aren’t praying to a shrine, but to an actual living being who the grave couldn’t hold. And the good news doesn’t stop there, not only is Jesus alive, but He places the Holy Spirit in those who believe. Romans 8:9-11 teaches us:
“But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
This changes absolutely everything! Having the very much alive Jesus in our lives brings us life after death, abundant life here and now, peace for today, hope for tomorrow and strength for any trial we face. He offers a jubilant and exciting life, walking through this life with Him and walking straight into heaven.
THE GIFT OF LIFE
Jesus Christ not only forgave our sins with His death, but has given us the gift of life with His resurrection. A life that brings us through this life with joy no matter how hard it gets and a life that keeps on going even when we’ve breathed our last breath.
If you have accepted Christ for yourself, let this be your encouragement that even if the days seem dark, He is within you and He isn’t moving out. And if you’ve never accepted Christ for yourself, let this be your invitation to do so. Romans 10:9-10 tells us:
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”
So what are you waiting for? The invitation is there, all that is left to be done is accept it. Why don’t you pray with me?
Jesus,
I believe you are Lord and I believe that God the Father raised you from the dead. I’d like to accept you into my life. Forgive me for my sins and help me to walk through this life. Place your Holy Spirit in me and reveal yourself to me. Thank you for the price you paid and the life you’ve now given me. Amen
