After Jesus died, Mary went to the tomb. Upon seeing the empty grave, she encountered two angels who she told, “they have taken away my Lord.” On saying this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. John 20:14
Two disciples were on the road to Emmaus, talking about all the things that had occurred. And while they were conversing and discussing together, Jesus Himself caught up with them and was already accompanying them. But their eyes were held, so that they did not recognize Him. Luke 24:15-16
Nine of the disciples returned to fishing and Jesus called from the shore. Morning was already breaking when Jesus came to the beach and stood there. However, the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. John 21:4
How many times, like the disciples, do we not recognize the Lord when He speaks to us; through others, through His creation and through our circumstances. The disciples thought their dreams and hopes had died, but what they were about to experience was resurrection power here on this earth by placing their hope in the One who could and would change everything.
So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from Him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Matt 6:33. Now that’s resurrection life!
When we live for Him, we live for others. As we die to ourselves, we can produce a harvest for eternity. The grave clothes of our self-preoccupation, self-reliance and pride prevent us from living for Him. It puts us on the throne of our own lives which keeps us bound.
Jesus says in John 12:24,“Let me make this clear. A single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died.”
We are all wheat and as we lay our lives down, like our King, He will be able to use us to be world changers where He has planted us. Although we are all wheat, we look different and we are called to be and do different things in His kingdom here on earth.
And so, dear brother and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1
As the Ekklesia today, let’s join our faith and stand at the tomb of COVID-19 and those that are dead to Christ and call forth Resurrection Life, here on earth as it is in Heaven.
O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. BUT thank God? He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ!
1 Corinthians 15:55-56