4/12/2020
It is Easter morning, and by government decree many of us are locked in our homes. We are much like the apostles who were sequestered in Jerusalem for fear of what might happen to them. First Jesus sent word to them to meet Him in Galilee, and then when they didn’t believe He appeared to them personally by miraculously entering the bolted room they were hiding in. Today we are locked in our homes, but not out of disbelief. This morning Jesus will come to us wherever we are at, and He will likewise send us into the world with His gospel.
“He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,”
Luke 24:6 ESV
This Easter morning is different than any in our lives. Today we don’t gather in our church buildings and cathedrals, or face East on hillsides as the sun rises, to hear the good news that He has risen. No, today we are alone, or with our nuclear families, separated from the world for fear of contracting a virus that brings sickness, and death. However, wherever we are today, Jesus will miraculously be there with us...
“As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit.”
Luke 24:36-37 ESV
Think back to all those years when you were able to come together with other believers, and celebrate with a shout...
“He Has Risen!!”
Remember how we would be filled with joy and anticipation? Remember how we would speak of the stone being rolled away, the tomb being empty, the women delivering the message, Peter running to see, the two on the road to Emmaus, and the doubt? Well, all of these things are still true today...
“He Has Risen!!”
The difference today is that we are more like the apostles than we ever were before. This morning we are not gathered in crowds to hear these words spoken, but in intimate settings with just our core family. Today we too are behind locked doors for fear of death, and on this morning we might even be experiencing the doubt that the eleven did those many years ago.
“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.””
John 20:19 ESV
Even after Jesus appeared to the eleven, they continued to lock their door. There was one who was not there the first Time Jesus came to them. Thomas was absent, and when he heard what had occurred he doubted them. So Jesus did it all again just for Thomas...
“Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!””
John 20:26-28 ESV
Today we might be like one of the eleven, or we might be like Thomas, but either way Jesus has risen, And He will meet us wherever we are at. No locked door will keep Him away... not the door to our home, nor the door to our heart. He has a very personal message for each of us, and it is so important that it must be delivered personally...
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Mark 16:15-16 ESV
This is our message today. Just as it was with the apostles, we are being instructed to tell others about Jesus... to deliver the gospel. It might begin in our home today, or to our neighbors, friends, strangers in our city, or abroad, but the core message is the same. “ Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel”
We are experiencing amazing times, and have been led here for a very special purpose. Through this worldwide pandemic we are made to see that we are just like the apostles... we are fearful, we have gone into seclusion, and Jesus is coming to us, but all of this has transpired so that people would come to know Jesus, be transformed, souls saved, and God’s grace would be poured out on us. However none of this happens unless we hear His commandment, and go into the world with the gospel message. Is He speaking to you today? Has He breached your defenses, your locked doors, and asked you to go out into the world? Will you obey?
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for reaching out to us through your Son Jesus Christ, and we thank you for making a way through his life, death, resurrection, ascension, and second coming, for us to be redeemed, and reconciled with you. We shout out in joyous celebration today, Easter Sunday, in celebration of His resurrection, and though we might be sitting behind locked doors we await His arrival today, and long to hear His voice as He directs us on our mission into the world. Sharpen our hearing Father so that we might clearly hear His voice, strengthen our faith to remove all doubt, and give us the courage to obey. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sent your Son to save our souls, and who now sends us to save others. Great are you who provided us with your Holy Spirit to equip us for this mission, and wonderful are you who listens to our prayers as we go forth. You are good in all your ways, and merciful towards us; even when we were yet sinners. All glory is yours Lord for every saved soul, and is made perfect by your grace that flows through Jesus. Go with us as we do your bidding, and conform to your will. You are faithful, and We thank you for your Word that goes before us now, and forevermore, as it circumcises every heart in preparation for the gospel.
“So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.”
Mark 16:19-20 ESV
Rich Forbes