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THE PRESENCE OF THE RISEN LORD

SCRIPTURE READING
ACT 5:27-32
REVELATION 1:4-8
JOHN 20:19-31

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “The Presence of the Risen Lord.” We shall reflect on the essence of the Risen Lord in our lives.

1. The presence of the risen Lord has given us the courage to witness to the world.
2. The presence of the risen Lord assures us of our salvation
3. The presence of the risen Lord gives us peace and sustains our faith.

Firstly, the presence of the risen Lord has given us the courage to witness to the world. Peter and the rest of the disciples who were filled with fear when Jesus was arrested, tortured and crucified now had the courage to preach Christ in Jerusalem because Christ, the risen Lord was with them through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When the Chief Priest tried to stop them from preaching the Gospel, Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead —whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:29-32) Friend in the Lord, we can also preach the Gospel courageously in the 21st Century because of the presence of the risen Lord in our lives. We are greatly embolden by the Word of Jesus when He said ““All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) When was the last time you spoke to someone about the risen Lord? Like the Apostles, we also have the empowerment and courage to go into the world to witness or preach the Good News because the risen Lord is always with us. Let us use our social media platforms and any available means to preach Christ. If you have the opportunity, witness to your friends, family members, colleagues and even your superiors at work about Christ. Jesus says, “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26)

Secondly, the presence of the risen Lord assures us of our salvation. John revealed to us that “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father —to him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen. (Revelation 1:5-6). We are saved through the risen Lord who is always with us and will finally come again to usher us into heaven. Paul had this assurance when he wrote to Timothy “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8)Beloved in the Lord, our journey with the risen Lord will never be in vain. Let us continue to serve Him all the days of our lives. He has assured us that ““Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3)

Thirdly, the presence of the risen Lord gives us peace and sustains our faith. The fear of the disciples disappeared and their faith rekindled when Jesus appeared to them after His resurrection. “Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19-20) Again Jesus said to Thomas “Stop doubting and believe.” John 20:27) Beloved in the Lord, let us not be afraid for the peace of the Lord is always with us and our faith is made strong through him. We are never alone in our challenges, sufferings and persecutions. Jesus is the risen Lord is always with us. Wipe your tears, have faith in Him for in His own appointed time you shall experience His glory in your life and challenging situation. Jesus assured us that “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

In summary, we have discovered that the presence of the risen Lord has given us the courage to witness to the world, the presence of the risen Lord has assured us of our salvation, and last but not least, the presence of the risen Lord has brought us peace and strengthening of our faith. May we always remain faithful to the risen Lord and may we never depart from the presence of the risen Lord. Amen.