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Reflections

Easter to Pentecost

Part 2

It is easy to celebrate a holiday like Easter and go back to our everyday life, forgetting the significance of the day. What life-changing effect did the Resurrection have on the followers of Jesus? For the next few weeks, let’s walk with them—from the tomb to the Upper Room—that the power of the Resurrection may be experienced at Pentecost.

The First Easter Evening

Our Easter Sundays are usually filled with celebratory services and possibly family dinners. Easter Sunday evening is a time of reflecting on the joys of the day, praising God anew for the Resurrection.

Not so, that first Easter Sunday. John tells us the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors for fear of the Jews. If the story the women told was true, that Jesus’ body was missing, someone might come looking for them to explain what happened.

The two from Emmaus had come back with another strange story—that Jesus had appeared and then disappeared from their sight. While they tried to convince the other disciples it was true, once again Jesus appeared before them.

A new wave of fear gripped the disciples, for they thought they were seeing a ghost. Fear turned to doubt and finally to joy and wonder. To convince them He was a real person, not a ghost, Jesus asked for something to eat.

Once again Jesus explained the Scriptures that foretold His death and Resurrection. Then He gave the significant charge that has driven the Church through the centuries: “With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem.”

On that night, a small group of people fearful for their lives was given the greatest assignment ever given—evangelize the world. Anyone could see that this group was not qualified, but Jesus told them they would not do it in their own power, but they were to wait “until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” Now, twenty centuries later, followers of Jesus are still taking the message of Easter around the world.

Thomas, one of the disciples, was not there that evening. Consequently, he did not believe the story told by his friends, but thought they were suffering from delusion. The next Sunday night, the same thing happened again. While they were gathered together, Jesus appeared in their midst.

When Thomas affirmed his belief because he could see and touch the Lord, Jesus declared, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway.” And that blessing is for you and me!

What are the blessings of believing in the physical resurrection of Jesus? We can only name a few:

• That He was the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world
• That He gained victory over death, hell and the grave so we do not die in sin
• That He rose again, and because He lives we shall live also
• That He has gone to prepare an eternal home for us
• That His Word is true, because everything happened as it says
• That He did not leave us alone, but sent the Holy Spirit to give us power to fulfill His purpose for our lives.

When we consider these blessings, like Thomas we can say, “My Lord and my God.”

Point to Ponder

I think we can safely assume the disciples in that room were never the same again. Imagine being a firsthand witness to the resurrection of Christ. But remember Jesus said those who believed and did not see also were blessed.

What difference has the resurrection of Jesus made in your life? Appropriate the blessing which He promised to those who believe without seeing.

What part are you playing in taking the message of the Resurrection to all nations?

PEGGY MUSGROVE is a licensed Assemblies of God minister. She is also a speaker, freelance writer, author and prayer group leader. Her latest book, Musings of a Maraschino Cherry was released in 2004.. You can visit her at www.musgroveville.com.

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