He is risen!

Happy Easter! Is this possible with all the evil and foolishness happening all around us? YES IT IS!

Remember the condition of the world when Jesus gave us the gift of Easter. The religious leaders of His people were his enemy who instigated His persecution and killing. His disciples abandoned Him. They went into hiding and feared for their lives, believing that everything was lost and that Jesus was gone forever. Their hopes were dashed. The Roman empire was filled with pagan worship and debauchery was all around. But then “Easter” came, or perhaps better put, “Resurrection Day” came! Jesus was raised from the dead as He had promised and showed Himself to His disciples. Jesus redirected their eyes off the evil and hopelessness, and reminded them of His promises. As they focused their eyes upon Jesus, their hearts were strengthened and encouraged. They were reminded that this is not the end but a new beginning.

Let us not lose heart dear brothers and sisters, for God is on the throne and He has warned us of the things happening all around us that we are witnessing now. Let us keep looking up, keeping our eyes upon Jesus and His promises for us. Let us encourage one another to do what Luke 12:35-40 says:

 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Let us be ready – the time is now to proclaim His gift of salvation and to become His disciples, doing His will. Pray with me: Lord Jesus, please pour out your Holy Spirit, stir our hearts to know and love you, give us your heart for the lost and weak, make us disciples of you that are ready and waiting for your return. Amen!

Christ is RISEN! Christ is risen INDEED!

Craig Caster