AFTER RESURRECTION SUNDAY ~ WHAT?

On Monday, the day after the Resurrection, I wondered what were the disciples doing?  What do we do the Monday after Easter? Tuesday through Saturday, what were the disciples doing?  What have we been doing? 

I think that Scripture tells us the disciples were afraid and unsure of what to do and were hiding out in an upper room waiting for the unknown to happen.  I think they were also sharing what they had just experienced about seeing Jesus alive and wondering what He would do next and when they would see Him again.  (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25)

I am wondering with concern why we are so satisfied with the way that we acknowledge and celebrate the most important event in the history of creation.  The day after Easter seems to be back to business as usual!  Why aren’t we still excited and celebrating the risen Lord?  We didn’t leave Him in the upper room in a story in The Bible, He is still with us and His instructions are still sure.

We’re not told what Jesus was doing following the appearance in the upper room, but evidently He must have been with The Father as He told Mary Magdalene in the garden because we don’t see Him again until one week later.  Or, maybe He was doing personal visiting to some, like Peter and John.  John said in chapter 20:30-31 that Jesus did many other things than what is recorded.

Sunday ~ One week after Resurrection Sunday!  (Second appearing John 20:26) 

Let’s look at what happened 7 days after the Son of God rose from the grave where he was buried because he had been crucified for the sin of the world…

He appears a second time to the Upper room where the disciples are still gathered, and this time Thomas is there.  Jesus tells him and us about those who see and believe and those who don’t see and yet believe.

What did we do the following Sunday after Easter?  Were we still meeting to share the thrill of having seen the risen Lord Jesus, remembering the things He had taught us and waiting with anticipation for Him to come and tell us more? 

Our Sunday School material started a new emphasis in the Old Testament about holiness and the nation Israel’s relationship with God.  But, I used it to put our attention back on the Resurrection and our holiness in Jesus and His Presence by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The third appearing of Jesus after His resurrection was at the Sea of Galilee to Peter, James, John, Thomas, Nathaniel, 2 others (I think Andrew & Philip since they were brothers of Peter and Nathaniel) (John 21:14).  We aren’t told how long it was after the second appearing.  Jesus had told the disciples that He would meet them in Galilee, so Peter, et al must have decided to do some fishing while they were waiting.  I don’t think they knew what to do with themselves, but they had a surprise.  Jesus appears on the shore and instructs them to throw their net on the other side of the boat and they caught a huge load.  Then He had breakfast prepared for them and they ate.  Jesus then reinstates Peter about his love and gives him the responsibility of leading His flock - “Feed My sheep.”

Scripture tells us that Jesus spent a total of 40 days among His disciples after His resurrection visiting and instructing them.  My intent is to do the same thing with the days from Easter until Pentecost which is 7 weeks.  I want to soak in the reality of Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection and ascension to prepare my mind to be a better witness unto Him, and like Paul to say:  “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” (Philippians 3:10-16)

May I encourage you to also spend some time every day focusing on who we are because of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, and what we should be doing?  May the world see Jesus in us and hear His voice!

MY JOURNEY & JOURNAL THROUGH HOLY WEEK 2013

I started this on April 3rd and had lots of hindrances in getting it posted.  I'm not sure why The Lord wanted me to do this, but I'm happy to share for whoever!  
April 3, 2013 ~
Last week was Holy Week. We began on Palm Sunday and focused on the days leading to Resurrection Sunday that we call Easter.  It seemed to me that this year more people were focused and reflecting on the real week that changed the world.  I was moved to reflect and celebrate each day...with Jesus! This is how I tried to keep my focus on Him…

On Palm Sunday as I taught my Sunday School lesson, I shared about what has been called, Jesus' Triumphant Entry.  I recalled the crowds yelling: "blessed is the king who comes in the name of The Lord" and the Pharisees telling Him to rebuke them, and Jesus telling them the rocks would cry out if they kept quiet.  With a smile, I reminded us that Jesus rode on a donkey that was the sign of a king coming in peace; and added that when He comes back to establish His Kingdom on earth, He will ride on a white horse and come with judgment and destroy all those who oppose Him!  I celebrated and worshiped thanking Him that I would be with Him!

Our Pastor shared a great witnessing tool that our church has joined in sponsoring online.  It really helps people who are afraid they won’t know how to answer people’s questions.  Do you have questions about life and God?
Check out this very informative site: www.truelife.org

On Monday my Quiet Time helped me to keep focused on Jesus and my relationship to Him. I think that Jesus was visiting with His friends in Bethany until He went into Jerusalem to observe Passover.   John 3:29-30 John the Baptist said that he was privileged to be “The friend of the Bridegroom.  He must increase, but I must decrease.”  Am I being the friend that sticketh closer than a brother?  Who are we drawing attention to – Jesus or myself?  As I think on this week and what happened to Jesus, where would I like to put myself if I had been there?  I would desire to have been like Mary Magdalene…always loving; always near to Him.

On Tuesday I had to work and it was a very busy and long day in preparation for my boss to go on a mission trip to Guatemala the day after Easter.  I was continually focused on The Lord Jesus and talking to Him about praising Him as I worked.  It was not hard as I was preparing two bulletins and a monthly newsletter that covered church activities surrounding celebrating Jesus Christ.  I went home tired but jubilant feeling the Lord's Presence all day!

On Wednesday  my quiet time was about comparing  this week with one year ago and seeing if I have come up higher to heavenly places with Jesus.  My heart was confident that I was. This was another full work day and the last day to get all the work done which gave great opportunity to prove whether we were aspiring to do this work from God's view or the devil's.  Bro. Donnie was pulled in many directions and he and I experienced The Lord giving us extra energy and patience being pressed for time and we finished in joy.  

On Thursday I heard and saw many like me reflecting on the observance of the Passover Meal and remembering it as The Last Supper of Jesus.  I heard of some who observed with a Maundy Thursday Communion Service or a Living Last Supper.  I also worshiped with the pine trees that day.  Check out this blog for my Lesson from the Pine Trees and celebrate too!  

Jesus said:  
"And I, If I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me."

John 12:32

On Friday I sadly watched a movie, looked at pictures, read and shared Scripture & inspirational words about the cross, Jesus dying for our sins and being buried in a tomb.  I cried because of the reality of my personal sins and then cried tears of rejoicing for having been forgiven and freed from the bondage and penalty of those sins.  As I went about my day, I remembered the price that was paid for ME.  I imagined myself there with Jesus as He endured torture, abuse, and ridicule.  Then I thanked God that I already know the outcome:  He rose from the grave!  IT IS FINISHED!

  

Adding to my day, my granddaughter, Katherine Hope sent me a very good reminder of this day with a video and song “Thief” by Third Day.  She expressed with such excitement about  hearing the words of the song and, like the thief on the cross realizing Jesus died for everyone of us, and we too can look forward to Paradise! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wktv5mA7EB0 

On Saturday I decided to be quiet and spend time reflecting on what was going on in the grave for Jesus and what His disciples must have been doing and thinking.

Easter Sunday ~ Resurrection Day!    Luke 24 & John 20:19 tells us about Jesus’ appearing to some women; Mary Magdalene; 2 on the way to Emmaus; Peter anonymously; upper room while Emmaus guys were speaking.  Thomas & Peter were not present.  I shared the account of Mary Magdalene searching for Jesus’ body and cried with her and rejoiced with her at the sweet appearing of Jesus stopping on His way to The Father to show His Love and soothe her heart with delivering a message to His disciples and the promise to meet with them.  My excited heart continued throughout the wonderful service at Nashville FBC.  The choir has never been better.  It was a truly beautiful worship service topped off with The Lord’s Supper!  I’m still reflecting and thanking The Lord for guiding me through a memorable week with Him…I am so blessed and excited that The Holy Spirit of The Risen Lord lives in me!  

JESUS DIED FOR THE WHOLE WORLD!

THE WHOLE WORLD DOESN'T KNOW IT!

HE IS ALIVE...AND GIVES NEW LIFE! 

I HAVE NEW LIFE...HE LIVES IN ME!

HE WANTS TO LIVE IN YOU, TOO!

HALLELUJAH!