We Serve A Risen Savior!
by Gina Conklin
Easter is a beautiful time to reflect on what Jesus did for us. He died for our sin, and that is the greatest act of mercy we will ever receive. Wow. Let’s just sit and soak that in for a moment.
However for most, it seems like that moment is fleeting. I went to the store on the Monday after Easter and noticed that all things Easter were marked down to 50% off -time to purge the past holiday paraphernalia to make room for the next one. Okay, okay I get it. We live in a world that is fast paced, but that was disheartening to me. We shouldn’t be quick to just move on, when Easter reminds us of the greatest gift – we serve a Risen Savior!
I am encouraged daily by Lysa TerKeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries. On Easter morning I read her blog post and I wanted to share her thoughts and way of prayer through Matthew 28: 5-7.
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: “He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.” Now I have told you.'” Matthew 28:5-7 (NIV)
Below is how she broke the verses apart to form six prayers:
“Do not be afraid,” – God, I hand over to You those things that make me so afraid. Resurrect the parts of my faith squelched by fear.
“I know that you are looking for Jesus,” – God, when my soul is searching, help me know the answer to every longing can be found in You.
“He has risen,” – God, the fact that Jesus is risen should lift my head, my heart and my attitude. Help me to live today as if I really believe this with every part of my life.
“just as he said,” – Jesus, You keep Your promises. Help me live as though I believe that with every part of me. Help me trust You more, obey You more and resemble You more.
“Come and see,” – Jesus, You had the angels invite the women in to see for themselves that You had risen. You invite me into these personal revelations every day. Forgive me for sometimes rushing about and forgetting to come and see for myself … You, Your Word, Your insights.
“Then go quickly and tell his disciples,” – Jesus, I don’t want to be a secret keeper with my faith. I want to be a bold and gracious truth proclaimer. For You. With You. Because of You. Me, the unwanted girl whom You loved, redeemed and wanted.
This really resonated with me. Not only can we appreciate the verses on Easter, but looking at them in the form of a prayer, we can appreciate them today, tomorrow and many more tomorrows. So even though the stores are now flooded with all things red, white and blue for Memorial Day and the 4th of July holidays, we can be in prayer and keep Easter near to our hearts daily.
