Not Dead - But Alive!
The crumpled telegram lay on the table. The fateful words, “Missing and presumed dead” was the sorrowful message brought to so many homes during World War 2. To Sam and Dora they were especially painful as Peter was their only son. The war was almost over, but they’d never see him again. After some months there was a knock at their door. When they opened it, there was Peter, not dead, but alive! What tears of joy, hugs and kisses!
Jesus’ disciples must have felt just like Sam and Dora on that first Easter Sunday. Jesus, with whom they had spent three memorable years, was not just presumed dead, but really dead! They had seen Him die on the cross. His enemies made sure He was dead. One of the Roman soldiers “pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water” (Jn. 19:34 NIV).
That was Good Friday. Now it was Easter Sunday and the disciples were huddled together, sad, bewildered and scared that the Jews might want to crucify them too. Then Jesus came and stood in the middle of where they were. He had been dead, and now He was alive again! There could be no doubt. “The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord” (Jn. 20:20).
The Resurrection of Jesus changed everything for the disciples. They were no longer afraid. Peace and joy filled their hearts. It can change your life too. At the cross of Calvary, Jesus paid the price for your sins. Because of His death, God promises this: “The blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin ... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:7-9).
You can turn to Jesus in prayer right now. Tell Him you are sorry for your sins. Thank Him for dying for your sins. Accept Him as your Savior. Then you will find, just as the disciples did, that Jesus is really alive
Jonathan Hughes From ALIVE! MAGAZINE, #226.