I have seen the Lord.

By Dr. Kenneth R. Pruitt

For 2,000 years, the church has gathered to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.  For two millennia, the people of God, with jubilant expressions that have rung out like an antiphonal chorus, have said to one another, “He is risen.” 

For a moment, join the Gospel of John as the story of our Lord’s resurrection paints the imagery of that first Easter morning on the canvas of souls made weary by a world in chaos.  And, imagine that it was you who made that first walk to the tomb that morning. 

Step into the story. . .

     You heard the Lord say, “in three days I will be raised” when He spoke of His coming death.  But somehow, the brutality of the Roman process of execution seemed too final.  You saw the truth in His eyes during those final days and hours that beautifully summarized His love for you.  You not once doubted His teachings nor His promises.  Yet somehow all seemed to have become hidden in the darkness of His death. 

As a proper mourner and a devout follower, you came to honor your Lord’s burial.  You arrived at the tomb expecting a quiet morning of remembrance as the sun barely peeked above  the horizon.  You were accompanied by others who came prepared to honor the body and burial of the Lord.  But you found yourself so lost in grief and confusion that it was as if you were alone in your approach to the tomb.   

     As you made the turn on the path that led to the tomb, you saw it, and you were stunned:  the stone had been taken away.  You turned and ran to find the disciples. And as you approached Peter and John, you were overcome by emotion and all you could say was, “they have taken our Lord’s body.” (John 20:1-2)   

The disciples’ state of mind was no different than yours and they ran to the tomb. They looked into the tomb and left, having drawn similar conclusions, for they had not fully understood all that Jesus had said. (John 20:3-10) And, there you stood!  Alone at the entrance of the empty tomb.  You then saw two angels in the very place where Jesus’ body was laid and they announced, “He is not here.” 

     Not sure of what you had just experienced, you quickly turned and engaged someone who was standing right behind you.  He asked what you were doing and you described with great emotion the frustration of not knowing where the body of your Lord had been laid.  And then He spoke your name! You realized in that moment that it was Jesus, ALIVE!  He had done just as He had said.  And in the quietness of the morning, when you stood alone, He spoke to you.  Your frustration, tears, grief, confusion and heartache evaporated as quickly as the dew that morning.  He then said to you, “go tell the others that I will ascend to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” (John 20:11-17) 

Now, step out of the story and back into your world.  If you have truly experienced Jesus (and by this, I mean if you truly have placed your faith in Him, confessing your sin and your need for Him, receiving His forgiveness and His new life for you), then you have seen Jesus.  Perhaps you know all the facts of His life, death, and resurrection, but having placed your faith in Him and having experienced salvation, you have seen Him.   Like Mary, you now know without any doubt that He is alive.  HE IS ALIVE.  

Biblical history teaches that many people saw Jesus after that encounter with Mary Magdalene.  Many saw Him and spoke with Him; some even sat and fellowshipped with Him before His ascension. (Over 500 people witnessed Jesus’ post resurrection appearances in just 40 days.)

     From that moment to this very second, the celebration of His resurrection continues worldwide.  He is alive. HE IS ALIVE FOREVERMORE!  And He arose for you so that you could experience life eternal, abundant, and overflowing. 

      Back to the story, Mary came announcing, “I have seen the Lord.” (John 20:18) People are seeking hope like never before.  And many are held in the grip of fear while missing the truth of  the resurrection morning.  Today, do your part.  Arise from the grip of this present moment of fear and uncertainty and allow this resurrection morning to quicken your faith and reawaken your hope.  Begin today with a renewed commitment to that perpetual announcement as a follower of Christ: “I have seen Him.”

Be blessed today as you live in the reality of our resurrected Lord!