Resurrection Connection

⁴¹ Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴² They gave him a piece of broiled fish, ⁴³ and he ate it as they watched.

⁴⁴ Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. Luke 24

Jesus was standing and talking right in front of the disciples only 3 days after his death.  Look at their emotions, disbelief, joy and wonder.  Yet they still could not understand or believe.  They had already heard the prophecy explained and spoken to them.  Yet they still could not connect the dots as to how and why Jesus was alive and standing in front of them.

Until he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, they remained confused.  If there is a prayer that we MUST pray today, it is for the eyes of understanding to be opened about who Jesus really is.  May people have ears to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying about Jesus.  May the pastors unfold the simplicity of the good news about Jesus, the Messiah.

Connecting the dots is a great drawing game.  You see the outline, but you have to draw all of the number connections to see the full picture.  There are many who are going to church today that are in need of connecting the dots.  Let me share 3 important dots that we can help others know who Jesus really is.

Use clear and simple presentation of the good news about Jesus Christ including as much scripture as possible,  The word of God has power and life within it.  Jesus quoted the OT to substantiate his claim that the Son of Man had a purpose to fulfill and then rise again.  Use the scripture when talking about Jesus.

A changed life validates the message.  We are not to present a perfect life, but one that is being transformed to holiness through the grace that comes from Christ.  Joy, hope and love are qualities that people are so hungry for.  They are found in Jesus and in a transformed life.  Let people see the grace of God operating in your life.

Third, do not forget that Holy Spirit is the key to ALL that is done to reveal Christ.  The disciples were instructed to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit.  When they did this, 3000 were saved in one day.  Peter’s explanation for that day was that they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.  He is the X-factor for the Christian.  If you are already a child of God, place your hand over your heart and invite the Holy Spirit to fill your heart, your mind, your tongue.  May he use every part of your body and life to communicate the good news about Jesus.

There is great Joy for us on this Easter Day.  Jesus is ALIVE.