Risen From The Dead

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you." The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel's message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there." Matthew 28:1-10 

  

The Empty Tomb - Jerusalem

Risen from the dead! How many people do you know who are risen from the dead? Jesus Himself raised at least three people—Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter, and a widow’s son. (John 11:17-44; Matthew 9:18-19; and Luke 7:11-15).  At Jesus’ resurrection there were graves opened and many people were resurrected with Him (Matthew 27:52-53)—a sign of First Fruits. But today, do we see people coming back to life after dying? There are some who have near death experience—in hospitals or at scenes of accidents. One of my brothers even received a huge electrical shock, had the white light at the end of the tunnel experience—and heard the voice of Jesus tell him that he had to go back. Death happens. Life happens. But no other god had died and been risen from the dead like Jesus! What a claim to His authority and power. He is the true God—living.

In the Apostles’ Creed—one that is used by most protestant churches it states that we believe in Jesus Christ who was crucified, died and was buried…and on the third day He rose again. We believe. 

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Note that the Apostles Creed also states that we believe in the resurrection of the body—the body of the church—made up of individual. One day we will be resurrected, just like Jesus. What a glorious day that will be! I’ve had friends over the years that as we parted for the last time—moved away—we said…"I’ll see you in the air or up there." Up in the air as we are raptured or in heaven…in our resurrected bodies. Will you join us…in the air…or up there? The choice is yours. Choose Jesus as your Savior and you’ll be resurrected one day…just as He was. 

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your glorious plan of redemption and salvation. We look forward to our resurrection…to be like Jesus.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 28; Mark 16

Happy Birthday, Lucy!

© 2017 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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