I received the scripture and insight for this article about two weeks ago. However I just could not actually sit and write. I would keep looking on my notepad with the jottings, and…nothing. You see the first topic was “Attached to the Idea of Death”, which then became the current topic. I was baffled by this change, but the Holy Spirit revealed to me that it represents the mental and spiritual progression that we need to undergo. We can become attached to things that have died. We want to memorialize them, we want to linger at their graves and weep. But we can’t do that, because there’s a time and season for everything. So, with strong faith in our hearts, we must leave those solitary graves and go forth. We must go forth into the new things, the new seasons that Jesus Christ has called us to enter. Jesus is doing a new thing in our lives.
The Resurrection
As usual, what do we have? A context scripture of course! John 20 outlines the events that immediately occurred after the gruesome and traumatic crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene, one of his ardent converts and supporters comes to his sepulchre. She finds the stone rolled away and goes to call the disciples Peter and John. They come running, assess the situation, and then leave in bewilderment. But Mary stands there weeping in such grief over her loss. Mary is attached to her belief that if Jesus died, then his body should remain in the sepulchre for her to continue to grieve. Now her grieving has been upended as she can’t find his body to do the usual bereavement rites. She doesn’t even notice that she’s having a conversation with two angels. It takes Jesus calling her name to snap her out of her deep grief.
We too can become stuck in the past, attached to what has died. However it is not the will of Christ that we do this. If we are to walk in divine purpose, then we must discern the changes in our seasons. We must know when to leave dead situations by faith in Him. What dead situations are you desperately trying to preserve? You know that they’re dead, but you refuse to leave. You are trying to make a memorial to the past. A memorial that will not serve you at all in your divine future that Jesus is calling you to enter. A memorial that will keep you stuck in the past and never moving forward. Do you hear Jesus calling your name? Why do you linger with death? Leave that place and go into your next: your future of life, abundant life with Jesus.
Live Fearlessly!
Then we move to the situation of Jesus’ disciples. They are locked up in a room, hiding in abject fear from the Jews. Their leader was killed and they fear that they would be next on the murder list. But Jesus, fresh from His resurrection enters that room. He enters and He says: “Peace be unto you.” Fear has to take flight because perfect love, Jesus Christ always casts out fear.1 He brings peace and He brings joy to all in the room.2 He breathes on them and bids them to receive the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, His Presence.3
Are you hiding in fear, in terror of enemy forces? I pray that Jesus will walk into your fear chamber and bring you His love, peace and joy. I pray that you will receive Him as the Great Comforter of your soul. May you feel His comforting presence when you’re alone, and when things do not look promising. I pray that you will find rest for your weary soul.4 I pray that you will bask in Jesus Christ and be restored. I pray that you will find Him to be all that you need and more.
Walk by Faith
Then we close the account with the fact that a disciple is missing from the room. Thomas called Didymus is not in the room with his fellow disciples when Jesus comes. Although he hears of the miraculous resurrection of Jesus, he expresses doubt. Thomas will not believe their accounts until he sees for himself. He even wants to touch the wounds that he knew Jesus received during His crucifixion. I pray that you will not miss the hour of divine impartation as Thomas did. I pray that you will always be in position so that you can fully receive of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ comes again eight days later and Thomas is in the room-this time. He gently reproaches Thomas for not having faith. Thomas realizes the error of his ways and repents. But then Jesus tells Thomas and all of us, just how much he values our faith in Him. When we have faith in Christ, we are blessed. In order for you to move from death into abundant life, you need faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is a part of the Fruit of His Holy Spirit. Furthermore:
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him,
for he who comes to God [Jesus Christ] must believe that He is,
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6, NKJV.
Embrace Life!
I pray that today, you will break your attachment with death. Break away from all dead situations in your life. Jesus Christ, the Resurrected King of kings is doing a new thing. Do you want to participate in this brand new thing? You can experience this newness if you have faith in Christ. Let your faith in Him move you to action. Leave that expired season and step into the new. Are you finding it difficult to do so? Call Jesus to come to your rescue. Ask Him to step into your room and bring His love, joy and peace. His presence will also strengthen your faith in Him. Step out in faith in Jesus into your new season of abundant life in Him. Jesus is doing a new thing. I encourage you to make sure that you experience His restoration and newness of life with and in Him. Amen.
Blessings, peace and wisdom upon you,
Sophia.