HOW CAN I START ANEW?

Part 2

 

In our last devotion we saw that Jesus understands our pain and our hurts. He also went through suffering and beating. He was falsely accused. 

Now we see Jesus hanging on the cross. Now came the time when He said, “Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last breath.

This time it seemed like Jesus was no different than any other religious teacher who lived and died and was buried.  But was there something different about this man named Jesus?

Let’s imagine someone you loved told you that they were going to die but 3 days later they would live again. What would you think? Would you believe them? Would you wonder what this person had been eating, or should we say drinking? Let me tell you a true story.

Now when Jesus was taken down from the cross, He was buried in a tomb. The Jews had heard that Jesus was going to rise again, but of course they didn’t believe Him, but they asked Pilate if he would send soldiers to guard the tomb.  They were afraid some of Jesus’ followers would come and steal His body, and then they could say see Jesus wasn’t dead. Well, the soldiers did more than just guard it; they put a huge stone in front so no one could move it. Certain women came to the tomb that day, but something was strange.  The stone was rolled away, and the body of Jesus was gone. They were perplexed. Then behold, two angels stood by saying, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but is risen.” The women looked in the tomb.  Jesus’ garment was folded nicely but He was gone. Jesus was alive. He was seen by five hundred, His disciples and many others.

Yes, the resurrection sets Christianity apart from all other religions. We have a living Savior, one who took the penalty of sin on the cross for each of us.

After the His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples that they would receive power. The Greek word for ‘power’ is dunamis, meaning power, might, strength, ability. The duna means being able or capable. In the New Testament, this word is used 121 times. 

You see, Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy.  He wants you to live in fear, but Jesus came that you might have life and have it more abundantly. Because of His resurrection, we can have power, love and a sound mind.

You may ask, “How do I start living in this abundant life?  How do I get this power?”  

Father, because you live, I want to live.  I want the power to live life to its fullest. Show me how to start a new way of living. I want to live in this truth.   

Luke 23:50-56 / John 19:38-42  / Matthew 28:1-9 Luke 24:13-35 / John 20:19-29 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 / Acts 1:2-9

   May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.