Jesus Our Lord is Risen!

“And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So, they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.” (Matthew 28:9, NKJV) 

Rejoice! Jesus, the Risen Lord, greeted His followers with a shout of victory.  Imagine the mixed emotion, the exceeding joy going on at this moment – this was the first encounter of the Lord Jesus with few of His followers after His resurrection.

The devil knows nothing about the truth. All he knew was that he is on the advantage side, not knowing that what took place was for his eternal defeat! One may say this does not make sense. Yes, without the spirit of God in one’s heart, this story will not make sense.

When we isolate the event in pieces, it will look like a pointless course: Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey, He was disowned and betrayed by His disciples, mocked, shamed, and spit upon by His accusers. He was oppressed big time, wounded, crucified with the murderers, and died hanging on a cross just like a notorious criminal. But the story did not end there. Understand that Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead! Our faith is not empty because Christ has risen! (1Corinthians 15:14)

Our Savior’s story is one of a kind. He is the only king who conquered not by a sword but with love. He did not come to be served but to serve; took no one’s life, but gave His own. His heart cried out for those who persecuted him – praying to His Father for their forgiveness. He offered himself freely as a sacrifice. His life in exchange for yours and mine – He chose to die so that through Him, we may live!

Why? Because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23) This is God’s great plan of salvation offered to all people! For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

The time is now! Repent and receive God’s gift of salvation. Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, and you shall be saved! (Romans 10:9)

– Contributed by Ptr Erline Crisostomo