He is risen! (He is risen indeed!)

If you’re new to church and Christianity, this is a celebratory Easter greeting known as the “Easter Acclamation,” spanning back throughout Christianity’s history. Historians have actually struggled for decades trying to place it’s origin; it’s that old!

Try to imagine for a moment, an ancient time. Early Easter Morning, people about town, greeting each other in the street. One person waves from one side of the street, and proclaims, “He is risen!” From the other side, the greeting is returned with a wave, and a “He is risen indeed!”

This ancient greeting stems from the central component of Christianity that Jesus Christ, who was crucified on a Friday, was buried, but rose from the dead on a Sunday.

That He is risen!

Christians are celebrating all over the world. Today marks the most important day in the Christian calendar, where we remember, and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

But maybe you don’t feel like celebrating this year?

Sure, you’ve managed to scarf a chocolate bunny for breakfast, but it still feels off. I get it! It’s been a tough few weeks, and the world has been turned upside-down.

• Some of you would have planned family dinners today, but can’t.
• Some of you would have planned on travelling, but can’t.
• Some of you would have planned a community Easter Egg Hunt, but can’t.

This year is different.

And it’s hard to just flip a switch, and celebrate during a pandemic.

Thankfully, there’s a piece of Scripture in the Bible that can help us rise above the struggle, and bring back the celebration of Easter.

The letter was written in 66-67 A.D., by the Apostle Paul, while in a Roman prison. He was writing to his young apprentice, Timothy, who has taken leadership in the church.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!

2 Timothy 2:8-9

Paul writes, “Remember Jesus…” Jesus is our source of celebration (and hope), even when life looks grim. But Why? Paul provides some compelling reasons.

1. He Is Risen

Paul’s first reason is foundational. Jesus is risen from the dead, He is alive; which mean’s He’s deity. A fancy word meaning, He is God! And He’s alive, because He desires a relationship with us!

This statement points forward as well; to a future time when Jesus fulfill His promise to return. Whether we pass away, or He returns, through Jesus we will see heaven’s glory!

2. He Is King

Paul’s second reason provides background evidence. By reminding Timothy that Jesus is the “offspring of David,” he points back to the Old Testament. That Jesus would be a defendant of the greatest King Israel ever had; a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 3:14, Act. 13:22).

This reminds us all of the over 350 prophecies that Jesus fulfilled, proving that he is the Messiah. Jesus is the Savior of the world!

3. His Word Is Not Bound

It’s important to note some history at this point. The known world was under Roman Rule. Specifically, under Emperor Nero, who hated Christianity. Paul actually wrote these words while imprisoned in Rome, awaiting his execution.

This was actually his final Letter before he was beheaded. He was on death-row, yet he wasn’t worried!

Why not? Because he knows that God’s word (the Gospel, or Good News of Jesus Christ) cannot be bound in chains, like he is. He reminds Timothy that he can carry the torch of the Gospel forward.

And he would; becoming one of the youngest church leaders. And many others after him.

Paul Endures Prison

Paul might have been in chains, awaiting death, but his joy was not in his earthly circumstances.

Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

2 Timothy 2:10

Because Jesus is the Risen King, and His word is not bound, Paul can endure! He is saved, and awaiting eternal glory! His focus is on his future, not his present struggle

We Endure A COVID-19 Easter

Paul provides us with the lens in which we should see our present circumstances.

• COVID-19 will not put Jesus back in the grave.
• COVID-19 will not de-thrown the King of Kings.
• COVID-19 will not bind-up and chain down the Word of God.

We can choose to celebrate in the struggle!

• We can endure.
• We can be saved.
• We can see eternity.

Because Jesus is Risen and alive; we can choose to take today, and choose joy in crisis. Because this world, and this life is temporary anyway.

Today’s celebration is simply a foreshadowing of the great Easter Celebration in Heaven, when Jesus comes back, and calls His followers home.

Paul’s Poem

How could Paul sum up such important truths? How about with a poem?

You’ll notice that the text appears differently, as it is written in our English Bible. This is because scholars believe the writing style changed from paragraph instruction, to something more poetic.

The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot deny himself.

2 Timothy 2:11-13

The last verse is incredible! Even in moments of doubt, when our faith is shaken, Jesus stands firm. He will remain faithful, because it is who He us. Who He is, is faithful.

He Is Risen!

Jesus is risen, alive, and wants to know you!

And that is reason to celebrate!