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“He is Risen! Indeed!”
By Susanne Scheppmann
Key
Verse:
“.
. . It is true! The Lord has risen . . .” Luke 24:34 (NIV)
Devotion:
Over the past few days, I have
heard the phrase, "He is risen!" Somewhere from the recesses of my
memory the return phrase, “His is risen, indeed!" has sprung from my mouth.
The phrase, “He is risen!
Indeed!” is termed as the Paschal or Easter greeting. The term “Paschal” comes
from the original Hebrew word pesach
referring to the Jewish Passover.
Experts on Christian customs believe the greeting originated shortly
after Christ’s resurrection. It is
popular among both Catholics and Protestants.
As the commemoration of Jesus’ resurrection nears, it is used as a
triumphant greeting. One person rejoices with, “He is risen!” The other answers with the joyous response,
“He is risen, Indeed!”
A risen Savior changes lives not
only for eternity, but right now—today—here on earth. That is a fact to celebrate! Recently my home church illustrated this
truth on a Sunday morning by having fifty people stand on stage holding a
hand-painted sign. In the beginning, the
audience saw only a white piece of poster board. Then, as music played softly,
one by one each person flipped his or her own sign over to display the power of
a risen Savior in each life. The signs
read,
Methamphetamine addiction--Drug free
Cancer--Healed
Suicidal--Abundant life
Lonely—Fellowship
Alcoholism—Sobriety
Filled with bitterness—Learned
to forgive
Insecure and unloved--Loved and
secure in Jesus
The stage was filled with
humanity at its worst, but Jesus at His best. This humble display of the power
of Christ moved many members of our congregation to tears. Then, slowly, applause erupted from the
auditorium in praise of God. The Apostle
John finished his gospel with these compelling words, “Jesus did many other
things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the
whole world would not have room for the books that would be written” (John 21:25 NIV). These words apply today as
well as in the first century.
I often take for granted what
the risen Christ has done for me for eternity and for today. I lose my gratitude for the ever present
power of Jesus’ death and resurrection. But today I have regained my wonder of
living in the power of the resurrection. Christ is risen--Indeed!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, You have
risen, indeed! Help me to remember each
day of the year that You are triumphant in every area of my life. In Jesus’
Name, Amen.
Application
steps:
If you do not know the risen Savior, Jesus
Christ, please go to the above link, “Do You Know Him?” If you are a Christ follower, tell the
world, “He is risen! Indeed!”
Reflections:
How
does Christ’s resurrection affect me on a day-to-day basis?
Do
other people recognize that I am a Christ follower?
Power
verses:
Luke 24:6-7, “He is not here; he has
risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The
Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on
the third day be raised again.'" (NIV)
Mark 16:6, “Don't be alarmed,"
he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He
has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.” (NIV)
John 3:16-17, "For God so loved
the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall
not perish but have eternal life. For
God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the
world through him.” (NIV)
© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.
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