Peace, Power, and Purpose in the Risen Christ
The Second Sunday of Easter
reminds us that the resurrection is not the end of the story—it is the
beginning of the Church's mission. Today’s passages call us to live as
resurrection people: filled with Christ’s peace, powered by His Spirit, and
sent with a purpose to proclaim.
1. Peace in the Presence of
Christ (John 20:19-31)
Jesus appears to His disciples
after the resurrection and offers them peace. He empowers them with the Holy
Spirit and reveals Himself again to Thomas.
Key Verses:
- v19: "Peace be with you."
- v22: "He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive
the Holy Spirit.’"
- v29: "Blessed are those who have not seen and
yet have believed."
Lessons:
- Jesus meets us in our fear and brings peace.
- He commissions us to go forth as witnesses.
- Even in doubt, Jesus invites us into deeper faith.
Application:
- Are we letting Christ’s peace rule our hearts in
anxious times?
- Have we received and acted on His commission to us?
2. Power in the Resurrection
(Acts 5:27–32)
Peter and the apostles boldly
testify before the Sanhedrin, proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus and the
power of the Holy Spirit.
Key Verses:
- v29: "We must obey God rather than human
beings."
- v32: "We are witnesses... and so is the Holy
Spirit."
Lessons:
- The resurrection gives courage to witness even
under persecution.
- Obedience to God may challenge worldly powers.
- The Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm.
Application:
- Are we courageous witnesses for Christ, regardless
of opposition?
- Do we trust in the Spirit’s power to speak through
us?
3. Identity and Authority of
the Risen Christ (Revelation 1:4-8)
John describes Jesus as the ruler
of kings, the faithful witness, and the One who was, is, and is to come.
Key Verses:
- v5: "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the
firstborn from the dead."
- v8: "‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the
Lord God."
Lessons:
- Jesus' resurrection confirms His eternal reign.
- He loves us and has freed us from our sins.
- Our hope and future rest in His eternal identity.
Application:
- Do we live as people freed by Christ’s love?
- Is our confidence anchored in His eternal reign?
4. Response of Praise (Psalm
118:14-29 / Psalm 150)
Both psalms call us to joyful,
public praise in response to God’s victory and faithfulness.
Key Verses:
- Psalm 118:24: "This is the day that the Lord
has made."
- Psalm 150:6: "Let everything that has breath
praise the Lord."
Application:
- Are we cultivating a lifestyle of praise?
- How can we proclaim God’s goodness through our
worship and our lives?
Living the Resurrection
The Second Sunday of Easter is a
call to live beyond the empty tomb:
- With the peace of Christ that calms all
fear.
- With the power of the Spirit to proclaim the
resurrection.
- With the purpose of bearing witness in a
doubting world.
- With praise that glorifies our risen King.
Let us be Easter people every
day—not just in belief, but in bold, joyful, Spirit-filled action.
Prayer: "Risen Lord,
breathe Your peace upon us. Fill us with the power of Your Spirit. Send us
forth with purpose to witness boldly to Your resurrection. And may our lives
forever resound with praise to the One who lives and reigns forever.
Amen."
He is Risen! Let us live like
it.
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