Fear Not, He is Risen and He is Coming Back

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Revelation 22:7

"Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book." 

NKJV

I have read the end of the book and we win.  Revelation 22:7 is a promise all believers in Jesus Christ look forward to.  However, the news brought to the disciples by Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Jesus, that Jesus was risen from the dead (Matthew 28:5-10) would have been equally as good to Jesus Disciples.  Granted, the disciples had doubts at first but their doubts vanished when they saw their risen Lord. 

Another interesting observation in this account of scripture is that Jesus chose to reveal himself first to two women after his resurrection.  For those believing Christianity is sexist towards women I must ask, why would the Son of God choose to reveal himself to two women.  Wouldn’t he have waited and revealed himself to one of the disciples?

Both the resurrection of Jesus from the dead after His crucifixion and his return are foundational to Christianity for both serve a purpose in reconciling fallen humanity with their creator.  In Genesis 3:15, scripture assures us that the seed of the women would come and bruise the serpents head.  Biologically, the man and not the woman carry the seed at conception.  However, in one special birth, prophesized in Isaiah 7:14, the woman did carry the seed. 

Jesus crucifixion on the cross fulfilled Genesis 3:15 by cancelling the debt of sin (1 John 3:5).  This cancellation of sin made peace with God by bridging the gulf of separation between God and Humanity brought about by the sin of Adam and Eve.  However, for each of us to bridge this gulf in our lives, we must believe (John 3:16) and accept the gift of salvation provided for us by the death burial and resurrection of Jesus (Romans10:9-10).  If you have not already done so, I want to invite you to accept this gift now by praying with me,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Another interesting observation from the account in scripture of the crucifixion is how quickly public opinion of Jesus changed from one of adulation on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11) to cries to crucify Him as He appeared with Pilate (Mark 15:13-14).  One reason for this change of opinion is possibly their failure to understand there must be two comings of Messiah.  One as the Lamb of God whose shed blood would cancel the debt of sin (1 John 3:4) and a second coming as the conquering King to Whom all people will bow (Philippians 2:11).  They most likely began to doubt Jesus was the promised Messiah after he failed to establish his earthy kingdom once entering Jerusalem.  However, Jesus could not allow humanity to live in His Kingdom while separated from God by their sin.  Jesus therefore had to die for our sins first, rise from the dead, go to the Father, and return to establish His Kingdom after giving all humanity an opportunity to accept His gift of salvation. 

Like many of you reading this, the degrading of the culture in our world causes concern.  However, this concern is good in a way for it shows that we share God’s disdain of sin.  However, it still brings sadness as we see friends, and even family continue to live in sin rejecting the gift of salvation given to the world by the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

If you have friends or family still living in sin, continue to pray for them.  I also want to encourage you to invite them to church with you tomorrow for Easter Sunday is a day when many who do not normally attend church, attend church.  If necessary, invite them to a nice Easter dinner after church as an enticement to go with you. 

Between the first and second comings of Jesus Christ, there is time for everyone to accept God’s gift of salvation.  However, after Jesus returns the second time, God will separate the sheep from the goats and judgment will be final (Matthew25:31-46). 

The degradation of the culture is something Jesus spoke of as how the world would be prior to His second coming.  In Luke 17:26-27 Jesus speaks of the world being in the same state as it was just prior to the flood in the time of Noah.  Genesis 6:5-7 tells of how the wickedness of men in the time of Noah grieved Him to the point of vowing to destroy humanity.  Fortunately, for all of us living today, one man Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord and the destruction of humanity was not total and complete.  However, in order to escape this destruction, they had to find shelter in the Ark.

In the time prior to the second coming of Jesus Christ, accepting Jesus sacrifice for our sins is our ark or refuge.  I therefore urge everyone with friends and family who have not accepted the gift of salvation to continue praying and when the opportunity comes, sharing the message of the Gospel.  In addition, continue to invite them to come to church with you or share posts like this one by email, Facebook, or Twitter so they can enter the ark of protection provided by Jesus on that first Easter. 

Happy Easter everyone and remember, HE IS RISEN!