After the Cross
Candy
Arrington
.
"After his suffering, he presented
himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared
to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of
God" Acts
1:3
After Jesus'
crucifixion, His friends and followers hid, fearful, and overcome by
disappointment and grief.
They had lived and worked with Him during His
ministry, expecting He would eventually overthrow the Roman government and
become king.
Then, suddenly, He
was betrayed, arrested, condemned, and crucified.
They could not
imagine He might come back to life and walk among them again.
After the cross – fear
"When the
disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders,
Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’" John 20:19
Fear is the
emotion that keeps us in hiding and paralyzes us into inactivity.
God knew we were
going to struggle with fear because His word instructs us not to fear in over
300 verses.
Boldly face life,
knowing Jesus' sacrifice on the cross connects you to the power and protection
of God the Father.
After the cross – doubt
"Then the
eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told
them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them
doubted!" Matthew 28:16-17
When Jesus
appeared to His disciples following his resurrection, Thomas was hesitant, not
crowding around like the others.
Was this man an
impostor? Although he spoke like the friend and teacher Thomas knew, Thomas
needed proof.
Doubt is our
greatest obstacle in trusting God's plan and provision for our lives.
We allow doubt to
wash over us like ocean waves, clouding our vision and distancing us from the
safety of shore. But Jesus is our anchor in a sea of doubt.
After the Cross – recognition
Cleopas and a companion traveled on the road to
Emmaus. Jesus appeared and walked with them, but they did not recognize him.
They were
overwhelmed by shock and grief, trying to process the events of preceding days.
When they finally
recognized Jesus, they were engaged in an everyday event - eating.
As they broke
bread with a man they thought was a stranger, recognition dawned.
Often we do not
recognize God walking with us during difficulty unless we spend time in
intimate fellowship with Him, feeding on His Word and listening for His voice
instead of trying to make sense of what is happening on our own.
After the cross – joy
"The women
ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great
joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel's message" Matthew 28:8
The women
experience two emotions at once - fear and joy - but their joy was greater than
their fear.
Often we do not
rush to tell others about Jesus because fear wins. Instead, focus on the joy of
salvation and share the good news.
After the cross – hope
"This same
Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way
you have seen him go into heaven" Acts 1:11
Perhaps the
disciples felt abandoned when Jesus returned to His Father.
But he had
commissioned them to spread the gospel so they did not remain on the mountain
awaiting His return.
Although we have
the promise of Jesus' return, He invites us to join him in what He is doing on
earth now, sharing the benefits of life in Christ and the hope of eternity.
All of us are different
after we encounter the Cross.
Although we still
experience the fear and doubt Jesus' followers did after His crucifixion, we
know Jesus is not still hanging on the cross or lying in a tomb.
He is alive and
living in us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice!
If you are walking through the valley right now because
of a death, an accident, a serious medical condition, a financial crisis, the
loss of a job or any other tragedy, stand on God's immovable promises and let
His words bring security to your soul.
Let God's promises guide you like signal lights through
your dark valley.
Are you struggling with a big decision or wondering how
your eternal future will play out?
Why not talk to the God of the universe and let Him work
in your behalf?
He says, “I will instruct you and teach you the
way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you" (Psalm 32:8).
Ask God to show you what to do. Pray the following
prayer:
“Heavenly Father,
I admit that I am a sinner and my sins have separated me
from You. I now want to turn away from my past sinful life and begin a new life
with You.
Please forgive me. I now receive your Son, Jesus Christ
as my Savior, my Master and my Lord. I believe and confess that Jesus Christ
died for my sins, was buried, and rose from the dead.
I want to receive all that Jesus Christ has provided for
me as my Savior. Your Word says, ‘Whosoever shall call on the name of the
Lord shall be saved’ (Romans 10:13).
I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is the Way, the
Truth, and the Life, and no man comes unto the Father, but by Him.
Lord Jesus, I pray and ask You, to come into my heart and
be Lord of my life. I thank You that you have given me eternal life, and
according to Your Word, I am born again.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy
Spirit Who is in me now. I surrender my life to You. I promise to study Your
Word – the Bible.
Use me for Your glory.
RELATED
POSTS:
Thank You For The Cross
.
CLICK HERE . . .
CLICK HERE . . .
.
Crucified With Christ
.
CLICK HERE . . .
CLICK HERE . . .
.
TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW
.
.
CLICK HERE . . .
.
CLICK HERE . . .
Love Lifted Me
James
Rowe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbE3Rmfhtz4GaitherVEVO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5vz6QUIDf8TheHymnClub
CLICK HERE . . . to view complete playlist
. . .
lyrics
1 I was sinking deep in sin, far from the
peaceful shore,Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
Refrain:
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
In his blessed presence live, ever his praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true merits my soul's best songs;
Faithful loving service, too, to Him belongs.
[Refrain]
3 Souls in danger, look above, Jesus
completely saves;
He will lift you by His love out of the angry waves;
He's the master of the sea, billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.
He will lift you by His love out of the angry waves;
He's the master of the sea, billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.
[Refrain]
No comments:
Post a Comment