He Lives!

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and , behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:18

Jesus came to our world to experience the same things we have. He came to seek and save the lost, and to forgive sinners. He came to restore us to God.  When He was crucified, He was in the grave three days, and rose again.  In this verse Jesus tells us that He has the keys to death and hell.  He also has told us that He is at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf, and that He is preparing a place for us.  In Revelation verse 7, Jesus tells us to hear this, that to him who overcomes, He will give the right to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.  

Jesus is still working on our behalf.  The idea that Jesus rose from the grave sets Christianity apart from other religions.  Our Savior did not stay in the grave. He defeated death and hell, and right now, He is busy, preparing for the time we will be with Him in His kingdom.

For the past several years, we have attended a performance of “Behold Jesus”.  It is a drama that goes through the life of Christ, in celebration of Easter.  Spokane Dream Center has the members of its church act out different parts of the Bible. Many of the actors have been saved, by the grace of God, from drugs and alcohol. Some have experienced homelessness, and have been victims of abuse.  The story they portray is one of great, life-changing love from a Savior who didn’t leave them in their sins.  Jesus restored them victoriously!  The last part of the drama is the book of Revelation.  The saints are dressed in dazzling white, and they are given crowns, which they give back to Jesus.  The stage is brilliantly set with the image of light, and all things made beautiful.  The Spokane Dream Center never charges for this performance. It is amazing to see!

God is love.  He sent Jesus so we could have life.  He has the keys to death and hell. If we can be patient and overcome this life, with His help, we will see the paradise of God, and eat from the tree of life.  We will be with our great Victor!

That gives me the encouragement I need to keep pressing on toward that goal.  

Lord, we pray for the harvest, that many would come!  Thank You for all that You’ve done.  You have accomplished everything.  Help us to be over-comers! Thank You for what You are continuing to do, interceding, preparing, and building us a place to be with You forever!

-Dawn-