The Shepherd's Resurrection (He is Risen Indeed!)

Having been raised in a mainline Protestant denomination, every Easter the leader would rise to greet the parishioners with "He is risen!" The people would stand and enthusiastically reply, "He is risen indeed!" Hearing that response year after year was such a renewing, refreshing experience for me. The congregation would hear the words, and know immediately what should be replied in return. Although we had written responses in the weekly bulletin everyone followed judiciously, no one had to read it on Easter Sunday (at least for the opening response). We would stand to reply as a confident unity of voice filled the little country church with a convincing sound. To this day, I love to say "He is risen!" and hear back "He is risen indeed!"

Growing up, we had large pieces of land to grow vegetables and flowers. Try as we might to prepare our land for winter, there was still a process for waking up the plants in the spring time. We used to say we were "resurrecting" the garden and flower beds. Where the weight of the snow had matted down the plants, we were able to clean around them and help them stand taller. The branches of the plants were clear of old dead leaves and were ready for new growth and fruit to come forth.

Later in college, I discovered the original meaning of "resurrection". It actually means "to stand again". Wow! All along I had seen examples of "resurrection". Jesus had been put in the tomb lifeless. God resurrected Him; Jesus stood again. When the stone was rolled away, no lifeless body remained. Later showing Himself to His followers, they saw resurrection in person. He was standing before them.

Previously, Jesus explained to Mary and Martha how He was the Resurrection and the Life. He then demonstrated that power by raising Lazarus from the dead. You would have thought that would have made a pretty strong impact on them. Maybe it did, but got lost in the frenzy of Jesus' last days on Earth. Many followers had seen Lazarus' resurrection, but somehow it didn't translate to the current situation.

Yes, Jesus had been talking to His followers all along concerning resurrection. His plan was not merely to help them stand again, but He gave them purpose and meaning, i.e. Life. That life was not merely the passing of time, but it was life to be filled with direction and understanding. Jesus called it "life more abundantly". (John 1:10) NKJV How could that be? The writer to the church in Rome explained it this way."The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you, and just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." (Romans 8:11, NLT)

Is it time for you to let resurrection happen again to you? Are you living the daily grind with your head hanging down? How about a "lift" from the Spirit of God?

Father, sometimes its easy to live life with my head down facing only what I have to do that specific day. Each day seems plenty full as it is. I guess I'm afraid if I lift my head, I'll see more that I think I have to do. Moving from face-down-walking to resurrection living is an ongoing practice. I will listen for your Spirit as He is raising me from dead works to life outpourings in the days ahead. He is risen indeed!