Christ is Risen!

 "Why do you seek the living One among the dead?

He is not here, but He has risen.”

Luke 24:5-6

 Throughout the ages the common greeting among Christians was “Christ is risen!” to which the one being greeted would reply “He is risen indeed!”  During New Testament times the greeting was in Greek “Christos anestee!” “Aleethoos anestee!”  Then when Latin was being spoken the greeting became “Vivit!” (He lives) and the reply, “Vere Vivit!” (He lives indeed).  In Spain the greeting was “Cristo vive!”  In Germany “Der Herr ist auferstanden!” to which they would reply, “Er ist wahrhaftig auferstanden!”  Even in Russia this was the familiar greeting among Christians “Christos Voskres!” and “Voistino Voskres!”

 “He has risen!”  This was how the women going to the tomb of Jesus Christ were greeted by the angels: “He is risen.”  What a wonderful greeting this is.  It is wonderful because it is full of wonder.  Think about it.  These women were going to the tomb to properly prepare Jesus, whom they had presumed was dead.  Not only did they presume He was dead, but all the hopes and desires they thought He would fulfill were dead with Him.  They went to the tomb of Jesus expecting to see a dead body, and to their amazement they find it empty.  If this wasn’t enough to fill them with wonder they then encounter two angels addressing them with wonderful good news, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead?  He is not here, but He has risen.”  Wonder of wonders!  They were rebuked and encouraged at the same time.  Upon hearing these words they then realized that Jesus had said this would happen.  Upon remembering His words they were filled with joy, encouragement and wonder. Their hope was not dead and their desires weren’t unfulfilled.  All of their hopes and desires were then and there realized through the resurrected Christ!  And what did they then do?  They went and told others, “Christ is risen!” 

This wonderful truth is so important for us to grab a hold of today.  Christ IS risen!  We get so caught up in the things and circumstances around us that it seems as though we think Christ was dead.  We go after things in this world that we think will give us life and happiness but in reality leave us empty and unfulfilled.  Why?  Because the things of this world are dead.  Let us heed the words of the angel spoken to the women seeking Jesus at His tomb some two thousand years ago, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead?  He is not here.”  Life is not to be found among the dead things of this world, life can only be found in the risen Christ – and not only life but life everlasting.

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  My question to you who read this, however, is “Is Christ risen in you?”  Has your life been transformed by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ?  Have you come to realize that He alone can save you and empower you for life everlasting?  If not, why?  Stop going after the dead things of this world and embrace The One who alone can give you life – the risen Christ.  May you come to know the risen Christ as your Lord and Savior and discover the wonder of His resurrection every day of your life.  May we proclaim to one another “Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!”

By God's Grace ~ Through God's Word ~ For God's Glory!

Chuck Long

©God’sGWG
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