04/25/2019 — Jesus Christ rose from the dead – and because He lives, you can live also!

The day after the first Good Friday was the Jewish Shabbat, when almost all activity ceased. But as soon as Saturday turned to Sunday, Jesus got up and left the tomb that was borrowed for His interment! The greatest miracle God ever worked came at the moment when the future looked bleakest for humanity. And, in your life, He will work the most dramatically when things seem the darkest for you!

EDUCATION

Matthew 28:1-15
"After the Sabbath ended, at the first light of dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to take a look at the tomb. Suddenly, the earth shook violently beneath their feet as the angel of the Lord Jehovah descended from heaven. Lightning flashed around him and his robe was dazzling white! The guards were stunned and terrified–lying motionless like dead men. Then the angel walked up to the tomb, rolled away the stone, and sat on top of it!
"The women were breathless and terrified, until the angel said to them, 'There’s no reason to be afraid. I know you’re here looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here—he has risen victoriously, just as he said! Come inside the tomb and see the place where our Lord was lying. Then run and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead! I give you his message: “I am going ahead of you in Galilee and you will see me there.”'
"They rushed quickly to tell his disciples, and their hearts were deep in wonder and filled with great joy.
"Along the way, Jesus suddenly appeared in front of them and said, 'Rejoice!' They were so overwhelmed by seeing him that they bowed down and grasped his feet in adoring worship.
"Then Jesus said to them, 'Throw off all your fears. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. They will find me there.'
'After the women left the tomb, a few of the guards went into Jerusalem and told the chief priests everything they had seen and heard. So the chief priests called a meeting with all the religious leaders and came up with a plan. They bribed the guards with a large sum of money and told them, 'Tell everyone, "While we were asleep, his disciples came at night and stole his body!" If Pilate finds out about this, don’t worry. We’ll make sure you don’t get blamed. So they took the money and did as they were told. (That is why the story of the guards is still circulated among the Jews to this day)" (TPT).

APPLICATION

• As it began to dawn on the first Easter, as Mary Magdalene came to the tomb where Jesus had been buried, there was a great earthquake. An angel of the Lord descended with a shout, rolled back the stone form the door to the tomb – and sat on the stone, confidently. You can be confident in His plan for you, too!
• The defining truth of the Christian faith is that Jesus is not in the tomb! Many people visit historic burial sites because of who is there. The tomb where Jesus lay draws millions of visitors each year because of Who is not there!
• Jesus could have refused to die. But He endured unimaginable torture and a brutal, humiliating death so that our sins might be accounted for in the Father's eyes. He died a brutal death for us, and then He arose so we could also have eternal life! What a love!
• His life is available to all who repent of their sin and exchange their lives for His. Salvation is not a decision; it is a transformation from the sinful being we had been since birth into a new creature who is bound for heaven! Choose to turn to Him today.

IMPARTATION

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the resurrection of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Your plan is perfect! I accept the truth that He had to endure the cross on that first Good Friday to atonement for my sins – and when I repent of those sins, His death fulfills the cost of my sin in Your eyes. Hallelujah!

Easter represents Your perfect plan that permitted me to walk in fellowship with You for the rest of my life. Order my steps so that I may reflect you and be a representation of You in my circles of influence, that more may experience Your power and Your love.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ – Jehovah Joshua Messiah – I pray. Amen!