The Risen Lord

I do it from time to time. You know, ask the question, "who would you most like to meet?", or "who would you invite to dinner?". And inevitably someone always reply's, "Jesus", throwing him in with such historical heavyweights as Winston Churchill, Napoleon, and Socrates. Why is it we so desire to meet the Christ of the Gospels?

Now, let me acknowledge up front that if time travel were possible my first destination (maybe after attending game 7 of the Royals '85 World series) would be ancient Galilee. However, our desire to visit the historical Jesus seems to be often linked to the idea that somehow being with Jesus would make the Christian life easier. And it begs the question: What about the greatness of the RISEN Lord we serve today?

The Jesus of the Gospels is portrayed as a gentle, loving Savior, who blessed the children and healed the sick. And that picture of Christ (though a little simplistic) is important. But look at the dramatic vision of Christ at the end of the New Testament. John falls to the floor as if dead when he encounters a Christ who is,

dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. ¹⁴His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. ¹⁵His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. ¹⁶In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. (Revelation 1:14-16)

This glorious Christ stands in power over all creation, ruling the earth and heavens by the power of His Word. We grossly underestimate the power of the Risen Lord we serve today! This Easter season acquaint yourself with the Christ of Revelation. And, draw on His power to live the life we're called to. You won't even need a time machine.