Rabboni....I Have Seen HIM!

 Rabboni....I Have Seen HIM! 

John 20

Have you seen HIM? Have you seen the risen Lord?  Has HE spoken to you? Has HE taught you nothing?  Are you currently in a real relationship with HIM?  Does HE call you by your name? Have you gone seeking for HIM? Have you gone alone? Have you waited earnestly?

After HIS crucifixion, after HIS burial in the tomb, after three days - Jesus rose from the dead.  HIS death on the cross released every believer from every power of sin and death; and also reconciled us back to the Almighty God our Father. 2 Corinthians 5 HIS resurrection means that we too have power over every sin and dead situation in our lives.  These situations include relationships that we think are irredeemable, dreams that we think are unattainable, miracles we believe are impossible, prayers we think are neglected, sins that we think are unforgiveable, maladies, careers, ministries, marriages, children, mistakes, losses, etc...  Our human experiences are very limited, and our exposure to 'smear' often limits our imagination.  Though we have the capacity, we are like birds in a recently opened cage.   We've been caged for so long, we are afraid to fly through the open window set before us.  Jesus's resurrection is about trusting HIS word and ability to set us free. But we do not always believe. 

2 Peter 1: 1 - 3 

His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

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Mary went to HIS tomb to see about HIM.  She was one of HIS close followers. HE had become her teacher.  Jesus had previously delivered her from an enslaved lifestyle.  Are you limited:

• Sometimes we have habits in our lives that we would love to change but feel powerless to do so.  For though we might have attempted to do it on multiple occasions, we often always fall back feeling trapped and overwhelmed.  
• Sometimes it our 'little' secret.  The thing that contaminates us, that we keep hidden.  
• Or maybe that 'big elephant in the room' that we can't escape.  Something so unforgettable or unforgivably wrong that was done to us that keeps us docile. 
• Sometimes it's what others have done to us or hammered in our heads by their compounded negative actions and / words.  We've somehow come to accept it as gospel.

HE came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. John 10. As HIS sheep, we are familiar with HIS voice, HIS presence.  If you feel far away from HIM, praise HIM!  Don't forget, HE inhabits the praises of HIS people. Psalm 22. We are fully equipped to live as victors rather than victims. If we still continue to live a life of bondage and defeat, then that makes Jesus' work on earth for our sake futile.  What's the sense in having the keys if we never use them? 

Matthew 16: 19

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Trust Jesus.  Believe HIS word. John 1 HIS incomprehensible sacrifice is incomparable.  Romans 5.  Jesus died for strangers, technically that's what we are, right? We have to go all in or not at all. That's what Jesus did for us.  HE went all in. In Gethsemane HIS sweat became blood.  HE walked through Jerusalem carrying a cross, humiliated for you and me. We need to seek HIM with all of our hearts.  We need to recognize that we need HIM daily. Let us not mock God.

Galatians 6: 7 - 8

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

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We are victors! There is absolutely no circumstance that exist today that Jesus hasn't already provided a solution for us. 1 Corinthians 10 Nothing should be holding us captive.  And if it exists, then we like Mary should go in search of HIM.  HE really does love us and is interested in our good.  Jesus suffered so we wouldn't have to.  Life is to be enjoyed.  It is a gift.  It was God's intention.  It still is.  We do not have to settle.  HE gives us HIS peace as a seal of HIS signet ring.  When we walk in step with HIM, we understand that there are seasons. Seasons are a part of the process. But all seasons change!  Ask HIM for wisdom. 

Romans 8:32

He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Jesus brought grace and truth to us.  HE brought revelation.  Truth for obedience and grace for capacity and empowerment. God resolved our issue once and for all through Jesus' death. The Father wants a relationship, not a puppet. HE wants to commune with us as he did with Adam and Eve. The veil in the temple was torn in two by God from the top to the bottom.  We all have access. Jesus is our only High Priest, since then, our bodies have become the temple of God.  Jesus is our Emmanuel. 

1 Corinthians 6: 19 - 20

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.

Life - It begins and ends with God.  HE is the only one who can satisfy us completely because HE made us. HE knows and understands us, and HE wants us to live fulfilled lives.   From the very outset HE told us to dominate. Genesis 1. But we are called to do it together.  Sheep is both plural and singular simultaneously for a reason.  God wants us to have an individual relationship with HIM, but to also do it in community.  Romans 12.  Jesus did what HE expects us to do. HE completed HIS purpose. HE finished HIS race well. We need to honor God with our lifestyle.  Then we will fulfill Jesus' request to the Father, that we will be one and bring honor to God. John 17.  It is always about God's honor; we should never forget that!  If we say we have seen HIM, then we ought to live in HIS resurrection power today! And if we haven't, then let us come away from all the noise and allow HIM to be our shepherd. Seek HIS truth and grace. Let go and let God renew your faith in HIM. Whatever we consider dead and buried, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. What is dead in your life is not too deeply buried for God. As with Lazarus, allow HIM to change your situation and command it to come forth. Roll away your stone of doubt and unbelief. Because HE lives, you can live too!  HE invites you to do so.  Seek HIM! Call HIM! Trust HIM!

TESTIMONY:

WORSHIP:

Trust Jesus again!