OUR DEVOTIONAL

A non-believer recently asked how I could believe in God, Jesus and the Bible. Her specific comment was, “They’re just stories.” I knew it wasn’t the appropriate setting to get into a big theological discussion, so I simply said, “Because Jesus has changed my life, and I know there is history and science to back up the writings of the Bible.” Then someone else jumped in the conversation, and the whole discussion went in a different direction. I was sort of relieved, but also bummed that I didn’t get the opportunity to follow up with that individual about her question regarding my beliefs.

I bring this up to encourage us as believers that we do indeed have proof and evidence that Jesus was who He said He was! We know that Jesus is the Son of God because He was raised out of His tomb. No one in history has ever found the body of Jesus, because His body was raised from the dead, and He is now with God in heaven. Through this miracle, God proved to us that Jesus is indeed His son; the one He sent to ultimately die for the sins of all humanity!

This is not some sci-fi movie, gory zombie graphic novel, or a conspiracy; He really is the Son of God, and He proved it by rising from His grave, then showing himself to His disciples and other witnesses, and then physically ascended into heaven. There are other historical documents outside of the Bible that talk about Jesus’s existence, death, and resurrection. We can be assured that Jesus truly is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, because He is the only God of any religion who isn’t dead! He is risen and He is alive! Hallelujah, praise be to Jesus! This is the evidence, this is our sign that Jesus is the Son of God prophesied about in the Old Testament books of Exodus, Psalms, Isaiah and many others. Knowing that my Savior is alive and preparing a place for me in heaven brings me unbelievable joy and comfort and confidence in my faith in Jesus!

FAMILY MOMENT

With family or friends, make an empty tomb to physically represent that Jesus is risen. It can be as complicated or as simple as you like. You can use papier-mâché, popsicle sticks, or plywood to build one. You can also use something that already has a shape and is hollow, like a cardboard box or storage container. Then label and/or decorate it. Put it someplace visible in your house to remind you of the evidence of your faith in Jesus Christ!

PRAYER & REFLECTION

Dear God, I thank You for sending Your son, Jesus, to be the sacrifice for all of my shortcomings and sins. I thank you for raising Jesus out of His tomb, and, by this miracle, proving to the world that You are the God above all gods, and You are in control. I thank You that Jesus is alive; I am grateful to serve a living God. Lord, I pray for more opportunities to share my faith. Not just what I believe, but why I believe it! I ask that You would give me the words to speak when these opportunities arise. I give You all of my fear and anxiety, and trust that Your Holy Spirit will speak through me, and that I won’t feel like I have to have all the answers or be a theologian to defend my faith well. Thank You for confidence in my identity and faith in You! I pray this prayer for all of my brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as for myself. In the name of Jesus, Amen.