February 18: Jesus is alive!

While they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified, thinking they saw a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; it’s me! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones like you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still could not believe it (because of their joy) and were amazed, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” So they gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in front of them.  (Luke 24:36-43 NET)

Though Jesus had often told His disciples about His coming death and resurrection, they did not understand. In fact, they were not expecting the resurrection at all. When Jesus appeared to them, they were afraid and amazed. They thought what they saw was Jesus’ ghost. And so He invited them to touch His scars, and ate some food in front of them. In other words He was saying, “This is really Me—I am alive, now and  forever. I have conquered death."

The Lord Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the foundation of Christianity. It proves that Jesus really is God, that Jesus has triumphed over death and Satan. It proves that His death on the cross for humankind was accepted by God the Father, and that He has the power to give life to us all. It proves that all His promises are true. 

Jesus is alive today, and is seated on a throne of power at the Father's right hand. He is ready to help us in whatever way we need. He is not on the cross anymore, nor is He in the tomb. He has all power in heaven and on earth, and is ready to share that power with you and me when we rise up with courage and faith. His death has the power to save you and transform your life, but only when you also die to yourself and are raised up to live for Him. You can cancel out the work of the devil in your life when you grab a hold of the authority He offers you, because His resurrection is proof that He overcame the devil, and if we are His children, then we have also overcome him. When we come to the living Jesus in boldness and faith we will receive all that we need in life.