Higher Heights

Yes, I know Easter is over. Don’t think that I am caught in a time warp. However I think we should think about the resurrection of Christ every day. Every day I need to remind myself that Christ rose. Every day I need to be aware of the significance of that action. It is the foundation of Christian belief. What did His resurrection actually mean to me? How did it benefit me? How are those benefits evident in my life today? What does it mean to honestly live a resurrected life in Christ? 

As I contimplated it today,  a thought struck me.   In the book of Mark 16:6 we see that Mary had reached the tomb where Jesus had been placed. She was told by a man that Jesus was no longer there. He had risen. The stone had been rolled away. You know the story.   

A couple of years ago I was writing an article about the resurrection. I think it turned out pretty good. I got a little excited over it. It asked the question: What needs to be resurrected in your life… It ended with  ”Thank God that Jesus was resurrected. He got up! And because He got up, I can to. I am risen! Risen from the past. Risen from whatever held me captive. No longer am I wrapped up and sealed behind the stone- the stone of fear, the stone of oppression, the stone of whatever! So, don’t look for me to be in that place, although it might be where you last saw me. Don’t look for me in the tomb! I am not there! My stone has been rolled away. I am no longer bound but I am free to be fully alive- free to complete the work of my Father! Thank God for His resurrection power!!” I thought it was pretty powerful however it was incomplete.

When Mary went to tend to Jesus in the tomb she discovered that He was not there. Not only did Jesus “rise” but He “left the tomb.” Many times many of us believe that we to have been resurrected to a new life but yet we still hang out around the tomb. After Jesus arose, He went on about His business and mission. He didn’t hang out around the tomb or dead things trying to convince people that He was alive.

Have you ever been through something hard but now you’re past it?  However, people still think you’re in the tomb.  They try to keep you in your same state and nurse your issues now that your issues are past. Maybe you had a bout with depression. Maybe you had legal issues. Maybe you lost everything. I don’t know what you’ve been through. Let me give you a piece of advice. Don’t hang around the tomb trying to convince people that you are ok. Just go ahead and live your life. Sooner or later, someone will let folks know that you’re ok. It is not your responsibility to convince them that you’re not in the same place. Many times people would like to keep you near your tomb for their own benefits (Thats a whole different story). Move away from the tomb- those things connected with your past or deadly issues.

Because Jesus has risen, I can arise as well!! How awesome and cool is that? Let’s celebrate the risen Savior by rising. Let the stones of fear, doubt, unbelief,…be rolled back. Be unwrapped from the cares of life! Arise and be who God has called you to be. Come forth yall and walk away from the tomb. God will declare your resurrection as you move in the direction of your dreams and purpose!!!”

Keep progressing! Stay encouraged and of course, Stay in God’s presence!

Wendy M. Reynolds