Celebrate His Resurrection
I made my first trip to Israel in the early 1970s when airport security was extremely tight because of recent wars. We were searched meticulously before entering the nation. But with that behind us, we began our pilgrimage by visiting ancient Biblical sites.
At daybreak on an extremely cold morning our tour group gathered in a beautifully manicured garden spot. An open tomb was before us. The site known as the Garden Tomb, some believe it is a possible location for the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus– situated near to the Damascus Gate and standing in the shadow of Skull Hill.
We had come to this attractive garden with its ancient empty tomb to declare the victory of the risen Christ Jesus. To celebrate His life and resurrection.
After we sang about His rising from the tomb, a pastor delivered a short message. “Remember how you were searched before you came into Israel?” he asked.
Did I remember! I was one of few who was given a “body search”—thorough and embarrassing.
“You smuggled something into Jerusalem they couldn’t take away from you in customs. It’s not found in museums or in any of the historical places,” he continued.
What was he getting at? I wondered.
“You smuggled Jesus into Jerusalem! They couldn’t lock that up. If you know Him, then His Spirit lives within you. The Bible says it is Christ in you, the hope of glory,” he said.
He then read where the Apostle Paul said he had been commissioned to disclose a mystery to the Lord’s people that had been kept hidden for generations. “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27 NIV)
I sat contemplating that Scripture verse. Those on this Christian pilgrimage had brought the Spirit of the Living Lord into Israel with us. Wow, what a nugget. And we can take it with us.
Isn’t that true for Christians wherever they go, allowing His Spirit in them to represent Jesus Christ? Perhaps it is a question we need to ask ourselves more often.
It seems appropriate that we contemplate all that happened to our Savior between Palm Sunday and Resurrection Day (Easter). Betrayal, intense suffering, cruel crucifixion, dying willingly for us. Can we also celebrate His great sacrifice as an atonement for our sin? And the marvelous fact that after His accension the Father sent the Holy Spirit to live within His believers?
Each EasterI like to hear again that great hymn that Charles Wesley wrote over 280 years ago titled, “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.”
The first stanzas:
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia! 1
Now dear Christian friends let’s celebrate His resurrection together. Alleluia!
Prayer: Father thank You for Your Son who lived on earth and went to the cross for us. Gladly giving His life for us. Father, thank You also that after Jesus rose from the dead and returned to heaven, You sent as He promised, the Holy Spirit to empower us, especially to be Your witnesses. May we be faithful with that gift . Help us to yield more and more to what You want to accomplish in us and through us. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scriptures: Then He [Jesus] said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:46-47 NKJV).
[Jesus speaking] “But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:6 AMP)
[Jesus speaking] “But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.” (John 14:26 ASV)
- Charles Wesley, “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” 1739, hymn is public domain.
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