He is Risen

WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL BY PATRICE TSAGUE

How did the resurrection impact the disciples?
What is the significance of Christ’s resurrection for us today?
How does it impact us as Biblical Entrepreneurs?

“He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee.” – Luke 24:6 (NKJV)

He is Risen

He has risen indeed! I can still remember my first Easter celebration as a Christian and the significance of it for my fellow believers and me. I remember going to church on Sunday and looking forward to saying “He is risen!” with other believers, and hearing that resounding and enthusiastic response: “He is risen indeed!”

Unfortunately, over the years, the power of those words has diminished in me, and at times, it seems that I almost take their significance for granted. For the disciples, it was the fulfillment of a promise that the Master had made to them and evidence of the manifestation of many Old Testament prophecies. The fact that Christ would rise was a central point upon which their faith would be solidified, prior to them discovering that He had truly risen as He said He would. 

Immediately after His crucifixion, however, the disciples were in doubt and disbelief. They were sad and afraid. They even forgot that He had said that He would rise again; it was as though they were so distressed and perplexed by His death that they had forgotten the words of faith that the Master had told them.

Even the fact that He was not in the tomb, and the remembrance of what He had told them that He must suffer and die and then rise, was still not enough for them to be convinced that He had truly risen.

“The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men,
and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”
– Luke 24:7 (NKJV)

It took the master Himself walking with them along the road to Emmaus after He had risen, and reminding them of all He had taught them, for their eyes to be opened. 

He said to them:  

“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!
Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?”
– Luke 24:25-26 (NKJV)

They were finally convinced that He had risen indeed and declared, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32) His resurrection became the anchor upon which they launched a movement that would transform the world. 

“He is risen” is more than just a religious statement. It is a powerful phrase that declares the eternal victory of the Cross over sin and death.

What does “He is Risen” mean for you and me as Biblical Entrepreneurs?

Nothing expresses it better than the chorus from the song “Because He Lives” by Bill Gaither:

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone,
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

Yes, just because He lives, you can proceed with confidence, knowing that whatever personal or business challenges may await you tomorrow, the Risen Christ has already addressed them, and He will provide you with the solutions – just when you need them. 

Because He lives, all fear of failure and success is gone – since the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is able to help you overcome fear. 

Because He lives, your future is certain – because Jesus Christ holds the future. 

Because He lives, you can reject suicide, low self-esteem, and discouragement. 

Because He lives, you can enjoy abundant life in all its fullness. 

I’m not sure what you are going through right now, but whatever it is, you can already declare victory because “He is risen!”

My prayer for you today is that the words “He is risen!” will resonate in your heart and cause you to declare victory in everything that you are working on – just because He lives.