He Has Risen

Luke 24:6-7 – He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again." (NIV)

Last year at Easter, I was in the garden tomb for the sunrise service. It was a moment in time when I was in the proximity of where Christ was laid in the tomb and from where he rose from the dead. On the door of that tomb, for all to see, is a sign, "He is not here for He is risen".

We must not listen to those who say, "Here is the Christ," or "There He is," for He is not here and He is not there. He is risen!

Jesus Christ hung upon the cross on Friday when God forsook him. He cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). God actually forsook his son — for he could not look upon the sin that was upon Christ. Even the angels could not minister to him. He was taken down from the cross and put into the tomb at sunset. The next day was the Jewish Sabbath and all rested.

The day after that was Sunday — the first day of the week — and Christ rose from the grave! The angel that rolled away the stone from the door was like lightning, radiant and white as snow. This terrified the soldiers who stood guard; we are told in the Bible they "became like dead men". (Matthew 28:4)

Light came that morning when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the tomb. The angel invited them in and said, "Do not be afraid … He is not here; he has risen." (Matthew 28:5-6) That light was not only the light of dawn, but was the light of the world, for He is true light — "the bright Morning Star". (Revelation 22:16)

We are able to celebrate this Easter blessed in the knowledge that He has risen. He is the true light of the world, and He shines in and through all who come to Him so that we can live as the light of the world.

There is no better time, no better day, than Easter, to invite Jesus to live in our hearts. We do not need to be in any particular place to find Him, for He is risen! Where is the risen Christ? Is He living in your heart?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead! Let your light shine upon us so that we can go out into the world and bear witness for you that Christ is risen and reigns with You today and forever. Amen.

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