He is Risen! Risen Indeed!

 ...and as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost its grip on me! For I am His, and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ!"

At Jesus' death on the cross, the nights He was buried in the grave, to His resurrection and "missing" body, the disciples were full of fear!  Two and Two were not going together making four in their head.  As they confessed out of their mouth unknowingly to Jesus on the road to Emmaus "We had hoped He would be the one to redeem Israel!"  The women had this tall tale about angels, and an empty tomb, and it was making sense for them.  The men were locked inside their home afraid of what would happen to them.  Then Jesus appeared among them and said, "Peace be with you, and to you."  This was a frequent phrase Jesus used in His ministry.  In the silence of the days after Jesus died don’t you know his followers were reflecting on all Jesus had said and spoken. Reflecting on the scripture He had taught them. They were there when Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave. They had to have seen the graves bust open when the earth shook and temple curtain tore in two.

The silence teaches us to remember, to reflect and count the promises of God. Our Faith is one that is not easily shaken. When we forsake it all, and go after Jesus there is a deep conviction that it’s all true!

For even when we are blind, Jesus gives us sight and opens our eyes to truth until we recognize and remember His Words. God does not act out of character. Peter had confessed Him as "The Christ of God" (Luke 9)

I was most touched today by a prayer of confession prayed/read today at my Presbyterian Church.  May you read it and, and have a renewed sense to live as "Easter People."

Lord Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit we have been raised from the waters of baptism to share in your glorious resurrection.  Yet we have not lived as Easter people.  We are unsure of your promise, confused about your will, and afraid in the face of danger.  Whenever we are tempted to fear death, give us courage to confess your Easter victory. Whenever we are distracted by petty conflicts, keep our minds on your reconciling love.  Whenever we are overwhelmed by the power of evil, reveal again to us your triumph over the destructive powers of oppression.  Forgive us our sin, and let our lives be a testimony to your salvation through the love of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen