“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: “He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.”‘”1
“In about 1930, Nikolai Bukharin journeyed from Moscow to Kiev. His mission was to address a huge assembly; his subject, atheism. For a solid hour, he aimed his heavy artillery at Christianity, hurling every argument and ridicule he could think of. At last he was finished and viewed what seemed to be the smoldering ashes of men’s faith.
“‘Are there any questions?’ Bukharin demanded.
“A solitary man arose and asked permission to speak. He mounted the platform and moved close to the Bolshevik. The audience was breathlessly silent as the man surveyed them first to the right, then to the left.
“At last he shouted the ancient Orthodox greeting, ‘CHRIST IS RISEN!’
“The vast assembly arose as one man and the response came crashing like the sound of an avalanche, ‘HE IS RISEN INDEED!’”2
Today here in America at least it isn’t Communists who are screaming “Away with Christianity! Crucify it! Crucify it!” It is some of our radical fellow so-called progressive Americans. So let those of us who name the name of Christ—not just on Good Friday but every day of the year—by our life and testimony rise to the occasion and stand up as one to claim: “HE IS RISEN INDEED!”
Suggested prayer: “Dear God, how can I ever thank you enough for your great love sacrifice to the world in giving your Son, Jesus, to die in my place on the cross to pay the penalty for all my sins so that you could grant me forgiveness and give to me the gift of eternal life. Because you died for me please give me the courage to live always for you in all ways regardless of the circumstances. Please make my life a living testimony and powerful witness for all you have done for me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’ name, amen.”
1. Matthew 28:5-7 (NIV).
2. Chaplain’s Corner by Lt. Jon A. Rozema http://www.dcmilitary.com/
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