HE IS STILL ALIVE

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:  And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.   He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

Matthew 28:1-6

King James Version

Charles Wesley wrote one of my favorite hymns “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”.  I love these words.  “Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!  Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!  Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!”  There are times when we act like He didn’t rise, that He is still in the grave but He is alive.  We don’t serve a dead Saviour, we serve a risen Saviour. 

Pastor Robert Lowry wrote one of my favorite hymns “Low in the Grave He Lay”.  “Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes, He arose a victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever, with His saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!”  Jesus will never have to die again physically but He is suffering emotionally.

He has told us that we are to love one another unconditionally as He loves us.  Can you honestly say you always love others unconditionally as He loves us?  I can’t because there are times when people hurt me and I don’t love them unconditionally.

Heavenly Father, please help me to love others unconditionally even when they hurt me.  Forgive me for the times when I don’t love others unconditionally as Jesus has commanded us to love.  I love You, Heavenly Father, and I appreciate all You have done for me.  Please comfort and encourage all those who are hurting.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

June 5, 2019