The One Who Rose to Conquer Death

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun May 28, 2017 3:17 pm Post subject: The One Who Rose to Conquer Death

The One Who Rose to Conquer Death

Scripture:

The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, of all things which Jesus began to do and to teach, until the day on which, giving commandments by the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen, he was taken up. To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion, by many proofs, for forty days appearing to them, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And eating together with them, he commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father, which you have heard (said he) by my mouth. For John indeed baptized with water: but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit, not many days hence.

They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom of Israel? But he said to them: It is not for you to know the time or moments, which the Father has put in his own power: But you shall receive the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, behold two men stood by them in white garments. Who also said: You men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come as you have seen him going into heaven. (Acts 1:1-11)

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your heart enlightened that you may know what the hope is of his calling and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards us, who believe according to the operation of the might of his power, which he wrought in Christ, raising him up from the dead and setting him on his right hand in the heavenly places. Above all principality and power and virtue and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. And he has subjected all things under his feet and has made him head over all the church, which is his body and the fullness of him who is filled all in all. (Ephesians 1:17-23)

And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And seeing him they adored: but some doubted. And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world. (Matthew 28:16-20)

Reflection:

Those who sought the death of Jesus thought His crucifixion would enable them to prevail in their schemes. With His death, so they thought, they would be rid of what He taught and what He did. They believed their power would be preserved. They did not have any desire to listen to Him or what He sought to reveal to them for the salvation of their souls. Little did they comprehend that the One they crucified was the One who would conquer death for the blessings and salvation of all who believe in Him.

It has been centuries from that moment where the Son of God sacrificed His life from upon the cross so that we might be forgiven our sins and cleansed of our iniquities such that we may forever walk with Him in His eternal kingdom. It has been centuries from the time Jesus rose from the tomb and appeared to His disciples so they would see that death had no power over Him. It has been centuries from the moments which were witnessed, and though they continue to be shared with the generations of this day and the ones which shall follow, many still remain blind to what was taught and what was done in exemplification of the teaching of the gospel of truth and love.

We might wonder with so many who saw, how is it that so many remain blind even though they profess they see? (John 9:40-41) Perhaps the challenge is that some rely too much on their own ability to reason that they cannot fathom what is beyond the world nor can they comprehend the kingdom which awaits those who seek to follow their Redeemer. Still, others, because they do not allow the Holy Spirit to enter their hearts and guide them, lack the ability to recognize false prophets and those who walk in the clothing of sheep. (Matthew 7:15-20, John 14:26)

Perhaps this was even the struggle of the disciples of Jesus. In the face of the death they believed they witnessed, they gathered to hide. They were in fear that they too might meet the fate of their Teacher. Still, despite their distress, they prayed until the Holy Spirit came upon them so they were able to see as others could not. With the power of the Holy Spirit, they were able to comprehend the truth and blessings of the Holy Word of God. They were able to see beyond all the efforts of the evil one to keep them blind.

If we desire wisdom which is beyond the limits of the reason of the world, we should seek that which God desires for us to receive through the blessing of His Holy Word. If we desire to understand all which our Savior taught, then, let us ask in prayer for the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts and our decisions. Let us seek to become part of the body of Christ so that we may work with one another to fulfill His commandments to love. (Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 25:31-46)

Blessed as we for those Jesus taught and sent forth to the nations. As they shared with those who crossed their paths, they brought the blessings of the Holy Spirit to all who would listen. As they baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, they passed on the opportunity for salvation to the generations. As one candle lights another, so does one heart filled with the Holy Spirit enlighten others which may be shrouded in darkness. From the few the Son sent forth, His church began to grow and continues to prevail to this day, just as He promised when He said the gates of the netherworld would not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18-19)

Even though kings and ideological schemers have come forth to persecute the followers of Christ, such kingdoms of persecution have passed away while the church established by Jesus continues. Each new generation brings forth those who plot against the followers of Christ. There are those who seek to sabotage his church from without as well as within. While they may have their day to bring suffering to the innocent, defenseless, and righteous; the hearts of darkness do not comprehend they are not beyond accountability. They do not believe or simply chose to ignore the day which will come when they will stand before the King of kings and Lord of lords. Let us, then, fear not what the darkness brings for today, for the darkness cannot extinguish the eternal Light, for it is the eternal Light of the Son which extinguishes the darkness.

Blessed are we for the Light sent unto the world for He is the Light by which we may walk the path to His holy kingdom. Let us, then, lift our hearts in thanks and praise for the One who will be with us always, even unto the end of days. (Matthew 28:20)

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways may the Holy Spirit guide us?

In what ways may we turn back the advances of evil?

In what ways may we share the gospel of the Light sent unto the world?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier