rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom paul asserted to be alive. [acts 25:19]
are you living like Jesus is alive?
- easter is behind us, but here we are again, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ! because Jesus is alive, we can be on trial before kings and rulers without fear and full of contentment. we can stand before bosses, coworkers, classmates, neighbors, family, and friends with confidence in the blood of Christ – when they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. [matthew 10:19] would these people say of you that you are living in resurrection power?
- because Jesus is alive, we can be filled with joy in the mundane, day to day tasks of life, because in Christ, we have the presence of the Father. – you make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. [psalm 16:11] do your daily tasks reflect that you are living in resurrection joy?
- because Jesus is alive, we can lead our family to worship each day in victory. – “death is swallowed up in victory.o death, where is your victory? o death, where is your sting?” the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. [1 cor 15:54-58] would your family say that you live and lead out in resurrection victory?
- because Jesus is alive, we have a message of good news to bring to the world each day. – for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” how then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? and how are they to hear without someone preaching? and how are they to preach unless they are sent? as it is written, “how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” [romans 10:13-15] would believers and unbelievers in your life say you speak with resurrection boldness?
- because Jesus is alive, we have everything we need. we lack nothing. we find contentment in him. – not that i am speaking of being in need, for i have learned in whatever situation i am to be content. i know how to be brought low, and i know how to abound. in any and every circumstance, i have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. i can do all things through him who strengthens me. [philippians 4:11-13] would those around you classify you as complaining, or would they say you live in resurrection contentment?
- because Jesus is alive, we are made right with God. we have no need to be right in the eyes of man. we seek the approval of our Father in heaven. – but now thus says the Lord, he who created you, o jacob, he who formed you, o israel: “fear not, for i have redeemed you; i have called you by name, you are mine. when you pass through the waters, i will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. for i am the Lord your God, the Holy One of israel, your Savior. i give egypt as your ransom, cush and seba in exchange for you. because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and i love you, i give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. fear not, for i am with you; i will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west i will gather you. i will say to the north, give up, and to the south, do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom i created for my glory, whom i formed and made.” [isaiah 43:1-7] would others call you defensive? a people pleaser? or would they say you live in quiet, resurrection confidence?
our Redeemer lives! may we live humbly and boldly in the peace and power of the resurrection of our Lord who has bought us and made us right before our holy and righteous Father! thank you Jesus!
~ arwen eastman