First-Hand Encounters with the Risen Lord
It was early morning, the air crisp and cool, the world still wrapped in the silent cloak of night just beginning to yield to dawn. Imagine yourself there, sandals crunching softly against gravel, heart heavy with grief and confusion. Your hands tremble slightly, carrying spices to anoint the body of the One you loved, the One you believed in. The fragrance of myrrh and aloe hangs thick, mingling with the fresh morning dew.
You approach the tomb and suddenly freeze—the stone is rolled away, an open doorway into mystery. Your breath quickens, heart pounding louder in your ears as you step closer, each step an echo of hope battling fear. And then you see him—an angel, radiant like lightning, garments blazing white as snow, seated confidently upon the stone.
His voice thunders gently, resonating deep within your chest: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:5-6, NASB). Your heart leaps, joy surging through every fiber of your being, eyes wide as you rush to peer inside. The tomb is empty, grave clothes neatly folded—a silent, triumphant testimony that death has lost its grip. Encounter the Risen Christ.
Now, imagine yourself later that very day, walking along a dusty road, talking quietly with another disciple about all that has happened. Your steps slow, hearts heavy, minds wrestling with questions. Suddenly, a stranger joins you, His presence comforting yet mysterious. His voice calm, familiar in a way you can’t explain. He begins to open the Scriptures, explaining clearly why the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead.
As you walk, your heart begins to burn within you—His words igniting a fire of understanding, revelation dawning brighter than the midday sun. And then, at the breaking of bread, your eyes are opened, and you see clearly—it is Jesus Himself, risen, alive, and walking beside you! (Luke 24:13-32, NASB).
Now, dear friend, imagine stepping from those miraculous moments into your everyday life. Today, you are called personally—called to Christ, called to the reality of the empty tomb and the living Savior who walks alongside you. Just as the disciples encountered overwhelming victory that morning and afternoon, you are invited to step fully into the miraculous power of Christ’s resurrection and encounter the Risen Christ.
Beloved, hear this clearly: The tomb was not just empty then—it remains empty today! “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55, NASB). Christ has forever shattered the chains of death and sin, inviting you to live freely in the victory He secured. When you encounter the Risen Christ, everything changes.
This Easter morning, respond wholeheartedly to this call of faith. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NASB). Rise, leave behind doubt, cast away fear, and embrace the life-giving power of resurrection that transforms every believer. Allow yourself to encounter the Risen Christ in every aspect of your life.
Today is the day to declare boldly: you stand victorious in Christ! Walk with the confidence of those who know their Savior lives, that death is defeated, and that the victory is eternally yours through Jesus. As Scripture proclaims, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NASB).
Declare it aloud! Proclaim it from rooftops! Christ is risen indeed! Encounter the Risen Christ and live transformed.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we stand amazed at the empty tomb and Your risen presence. Fill our hearts with the excitement and boldness of those first disciples. May the power of Your resurrection shape our lives profoundly, empowering us to proclaim Your victory boldly to all around us. Amen.