He is Risen! Have you?

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7 NIV

Hallelujah! He is risen! What good news for us this morning and every morning. Jesus lives! I can hardly imagine what joy the women at the tomb felt to hear that Jesus had risen from the dead. 

Jesus has risen from the dead! Have we? Jesus has told his followers before his death:  Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. (John 14:19) Because he lives so shall we. Well, the new life, that resurrected life does not begin only after we die physical deaths. Because he lives we can live fuller lives today in him. But, alas, so often we choose to live in darkness rather than the light of Christ. So often we seek the passing pleasures of this world rather than the most awesome life lived in the presence of Almighty God now and forever. Forever does not begin after death. Forever includes today. Because Jesus lives so shall all who believe in him!

Now, is the time. Today is the day. He is risen. It is time.

  “Arise, shine, for your light has come,

  and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
  See, darkness covers the earth

  and thick darkness is over the peoples,
  but the Lord rises upon you

  and his glory appears over you." 
                                         (Isaiah 60:1-2)

He Is Risen! Because he lives so shall we. Arise and shine!

God's Peace - Pr. J