Eleven men sat in a darkened room. The doors were bolted shut. Certainly, those who had killed Jesus would be coming for them. The deafening silence was broken by every cough and creaking chair echoing throughout the room. The shuffling feet and the heavy sighs served as reminders of the tension. Along with the darkness was a mixture of hopelessness and confusion. All their dreams and hopes were bound in grave cloths, lying cold in a guarded tomb.

But then…in an instant…he was there!

John 20:19-21
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.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

In the room! In the light of the flickering candles, he showed them all the proof they needed. His hands. His side. He was alive!! Every word he had spoken was true! Every promise fulfilled! Death conquered, forever!

Today, many of us live in a darkened world, living lives of fear, confusion, discontentment, and despair. We search for meaning and significance…in all the wrong places. We occupy ourselves with busy days and lose sleep over things that matter little—losing time over things that matter most. And all the while, he is there. Have you seen the risen Savior? He is there! Follow him in the resurrection of new life!

Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrificial death for me. Heavenly Father, thank you for raising your Son from the dead. Holy Spirit, empower me to live a life worthy of my Savior and resurrected Lord. In his name, I pray. Amen.

HAPPY EASTER!
HE IS RISEN!
HE IS RISEN INDEED!