He is not dead!

In the hours that followed the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus, the disciples were men whose hope had vanished. Their expectations, plans, dreams, and ambitions had all disappeared with Jesus as the stone rolled over the tomb. They were frightened, despondent, and discouraged.

I have seen the same worn and haggard look in people – even Christian believers — over the last few months as conditions in the nation have deteriorated. It is true that we are facing uncertain times.

Some have lost half or more of the value of their investments. One friend has lost over $300,000 in retirement savings. Those who are pro-life and those who have supported traditional marriage have seen those positions undercut in both federal and state venues. Unemployment in some parts of our state exceeds 12 per cent and a growing number are out of work — over 5 million jobs have been lost in the last year, 3 million of those in the last four months. Many have lost their homes. Job losses are the highest in 50 years.

Even some clergy have become dispirited and have given in to spiritual sluggishness and depression. Like the disciples during those sad hours between Good Friday afternoon and Easter Sunday morning, we who are called by the name of Christ live life as though Christ were dead. Like them, we see only the difficulty ahead. Like them, we see ourselves at the mercy of forces beyond our control or influence. Like them, we have retreated and are no longer boldly proclaiming and confidently living the Gospel of Christ.

With the announcement and realization that Christ had risen from the dead, all was changed in a dramatic fashion. The faith of the disciples was restored and exponentially increased. Hope and purpose surged once again in their souls and joy — followed by the power of the Holy Spirit — would propel them and those they influenced into the remotest regions of the world. Those who had once cowered in fear would go on to live heroic and memorable lives, lives that would change the world.

As Christians, we must take our eyes off the political, economic, and social tremors going through our society and stop behaving as though our Lord was lifeless and powerless. Many have allowed circumstances to rob them of joy, of peace, of hope, and even of virtue. Our Lord Jesus Christ is not dead, He is not entombed, and He is not absent in this present day!

Christians must remember that He has called us to be faithful people and people full of faith for such a time as this. We are the light of the world. We are the salt of the earth. It is the Church of the Living God that is to live in faith, confidence, and power and to be a beacon for others to follow.

The disciples were changed by the presence and power of the risen Jesus. If we are suffering without hope or joy, we need to draw near to Him in faith and in trust. We must stop behaving as though He were dead.

We serve a risen Lord whose power, love, grace, and mercy are unfathomable. Jesus Christ is Lord! Christ is Risen! He is risen, indeed!

[Father David Epps is the founding pastor of Christ the King Church, 4881 Hwy. 34 E., Sharpsburg, GA 30277, between Peachtree City and Newnan. Services are held Sundays at 8:30 and 10 a.m. He serves as a bishop to the Diocese of the Mid-South and is also the mission pastor of Christ the King Church in Champaign, IL. He may be contacted at frepps@ctkcec.org.]