EASTER APPLICATIONS FOR YOUR LIFE IN 2024; 3 Often Missed REAL WORLD BIBLE TRUTHS
“FROM VICTOR TO VILLIAN”
In a matter of a few days, many went from seeing Jesus as the Victor & Messiah, to a Villian. On Palm Sunday the crowds cheered (MARK 11:1-10), then many turned on Him. Why? Because Jesus did not do that which many wanted done. For most, they wanted a Military Messiah to overthrow Rome. For the religious leaders, they wanted a Manageable Messiah; had Jesus not preached the truth, he would have been tolerated.
Still today, there are those who turn away from God and Jesus, simply because they want a God who will serve their wishes (that is not God – it’s a genie); they want a Bible that makes allowances for their sin.
In 2024, will you disconnect from God or turn from Jesus when they don’t fit your mold – when Jesus doesn’t meet your expectations – when Biblical Truth is contrary to how you want to live? You can accept Him or reject Him, but you cannot control Him. You cannot redefine Jesus, He is Lord; Christians serve The Master – The Master does not bend to the wishes of those who serve Him.
JESUS KNEW THAT FRIDAY LED TO SUNDAY
Jesus knew that being the sacrificial lamb for humanity, meant that He must be persecuted, must suffer, and must die. He knew that He had to experience Friday, but that Friday led to Sunday. Praise God! (LUKE 9:22)
There’s an old sermon, “It’s Friday but Sunday’s Coming.” (In the old Jewish Calendar, a new day began at sundown – so Friday evening became day two, Saturday evening began the third day). Jesus knew the road to Sunday, to His Resurrection, to offering Salvation – had to go through Friday! He never focused on Friday – he focused on Sunday.
In 2024, having a “Friday Focus” will defeat you. You can never get to Sunday without going through Friday. There will be some “Friday” moments this year – keep your eyes focused on Sunday and you will weather every storm. “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming” Every Christian must understand that we cannot arrive at Sunday without going through Friday!
It’s Friday But Sunday’s Coming by S. M. Lockridge (youtube.com)
SUNDAY CAME – JESUS REVEALED HIMSELF TO THOUSANDS & HE WILL SHOW HIMSELF TO YOU
Jesus rose from the dead! All of the Bible and all of history testify to His Resurrection. The Bible records Him appearing to thousands after His Resurrection and before His Ascension. This was done for many reasons, not the least of which was to put an exclamation point on the empty tomb!
JOHN 14 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. In it, Jesus tells us that if we will fall in “love” with him, “obey what” He “commands” and yield to “The Spirit of truth,” then – “My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
A few days before my earthly father left this world, he began singing, “I’m going home.”
Bill & Gloria Gaither – Going Home [Live] ft. Bill Gaither (youtube.com)
Eighteen hours before he left this earthly world, he whispered in my ear, “Son, I’m going home soon.” My dad lived in the company of the Resurrected Lord! And when he transitioned out of this world, he was already seeing Jesus.
In 2024, Jesus is still revealing Himself. He is still being found by those who seek Him. How is that possible? Because – HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED. As I type these words, the Holy Spirit fills the room. And through the eyes of the spirit, I can see My Lord! He stirs my soul, comforts my heart, embraces me, and I find myself rejoicing!
MY PRAYER FOR EACH OF YOU IS THAT THE RESURRECTED LORD WOULD BE YOUR SAVIOR – AND THAT IN 2024 – YOU MIGHT SEE, EXPERIENCE AND KNOW JESUS IN A GREATER WAY THAN EVER BEFORE!
Tomb photo by Simon Wood on Unsplash
Cross image by Germán R from Pixabay
Dove photo by jebin ephrimraj on Unsplash