“He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” -Luke 20:37-38

Easter is the celebration of life; the resurrection of Christ from the dead, and the power for all of us to be raised also. During this time of the year we generally think about new life and new hope! Christ’s death, burial and resurrection brings to mind God’s purpose and plan not only for our eternity, but for Christians who celebrate the Easter season, it is a time to remember the promises of God for us right now, living this life. What does the God of the living want us to remember? In Luke 24, Jesus reminds his disciples to have Peace! “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” His statement had to do with their beliefs and their faith in Him. If Christ is raised from the dead, can he not also give us peace in this life? Can he not keep our mind from being troubled?

When Lazarus died (John 11), Jesus waited 4 days and stated that his death would be for “God’s glory.” When he arrived the doubters sarcastically questioned if Jesus could not have kept Lazarus from dying, since he had healed others. The answer, of course, is yes, he could have! But God does not want us to live in this sinful state, bound by the chains of all types of things we are enslaved to today. After Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, he told those there: “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” I believe he is saying that to us today too. We like Lazarus must take off the ‘stuff’ that binds and distracts us, be freed from sin and death and be resurrected to live a new life to, in and for Christ. This raising of the dead for Lazarus is an example and reminder to us that we can live free not only when eternity is ushered in for us, but in this life right now. We do this through belief, by faith and not letting “doubts rise in our minds.” “Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40

Lets celebrate life: Christ’s triumph over death and the power today for us to live fully!

“By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.” 1 Cor 6:14.

Blessings,
Mike