John 20: 3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
Can you imagine what must have been going through each of Jesus’ disciple’s minds this Sunday morning? More than ever before, I think every one of us can relate to their questions around the future, security, and what might happen next.
Here’s the amazing reminder of this Holy Sunday morning: God was at work in ways those disciples could not see or comprehend! I believe He is also at work right now, preparing hearts and minds for what is ahead for His Church the body of Christ which is alive and well on planted earth today.
May we all rest in the promise of Resurrection Sunday that everything about how we do “church” has changed forever over the last four weeks… everything but the visionary call to make disciples. Amid almost-daily disruption with the Covid-19 Virus, how can we as the Church address real, present ministry needs, and at the same time, lead you all with the great commission that Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Are you looking for a new life? We are all looking for a better Life.
But no one can offer what Jesus does —- a life that is connected with the giver of all life. God Himself.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.10 He was in the world, and the world was
made by him, and the world knew him not.11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
How can we know Him?
The ultimate answer according to one of His followers is the vacated tomb. Peter
1 Peter. 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1. The one who Jesus said in Matthew 16:23 “But he turned, and said unto
Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan:thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
2. The Man that was always getting his foot in his mouth.
Matt. 16:7 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the
light.3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
3. The man that denied Christ When all the disciples forsake Jesus In the garden.
Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
4. Peter Who Jesus said in Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Now as Peter writes when he is around 80 years old who was an eye witness to all the Jesus did and was there when Jesus rosed from the dead.
- Peter was the first Preacher to bring the Gospel to the Jews in Jerusalem
- Peter at Pentecost stood fearlessly and told the thousands gathered there that they had dined the Holy one of God.
1 Peter. 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Victory Over Death: From Dutch Sheetz “Give Him 15”
Jesus fully accomplished His goal and brought it to its intended outcome. He didn’t leave anything undone when He died on that cross. He took that intended outcome and went and got the keys to death, hell, and the grave, from the one holding them at that moment—and Satan had to give them up! Jesus accomplished everything needed to redeem mankind. Everything! His last words were, “It is finished!” And, He didn’t whisper those words. He shouted those words! “IT IS FINISHED!”
He used a word, which in Greek is “tetelestai”. In Hebrew is it, “Asah”. It means, “Paid in full!” Asah also means, “To create”. He used it to talk about the creation of the earth, the people, the oceans, all things. He was saying, “Come forth, new creation!” We are that new creation! The Church was about to be born! Death, hell, and the grave would have to give up their captives!
It is time, in this season of death stalking humanity again, for the power of the shed blood of Jesus, the authority of His obedience, and the power of the resurrection, to be fully expressed. Cause great numbers of people to be set free from death, hell, and the grave, in this season. Now, in Jesus’ name! Now! Amen.
“I am the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:18; ESV)
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55; ESV)
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits. Now, He has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.” (1 Peter 3:18-19 and 22; NIV)
Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:
- Declare as Jesus did, “Tetelestai! Asah! It is finished!”
- Say, “Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? Let the captivesgo free!”
- Decree, “Jesus died and is alive forever more! He has taken back the keys ofdeath, hell, and the grave! Let the lost live!”
- Contemplate your own salvation experience. Thank the Lord again for savingyou.
• Now, with passionate intercession, pray for every single family member, friend, and co-worker you know who has yet to come to Jesus.
A prayer you can pray:
Lord, thank You for the cross. So much more than we can imagine was done in those three days from Your death on the cross to Resurrection Day. If people really understood this, they wouldn’t hesitate to be saved! The harvest would overtake the plowman, as You foretold! So, we proclaim, “Tetelestai! Asah!
It is finished! Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? Let the captives go free! Jesus died and is alive forever more! He has taken back the keys of death, hell, and the grave! Let the lost live!”
I praise You, Lord, for You saved me. I am a sinner saved by grace, not of anything I have done to deserve You. You made a way for me when there was no way. That same way is made for those I know and love. [Therefore, intercede for every single family member, friend, and co-worker you know who has yet to come to Jesus.] Jesus, receive these as Your inheritance; Your reward. Amen and amen.
Today’s decree:
Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave! Let the captives now be free!
Song: You Word is walking mighty in me Your work is working mighty in me. No matter what the circumstance what I see or feel your word is working mighty in Me,
