In The Garden
"After the Resurrection"
Part I
Osella Clabaugh

Read Larger Print Devotional by Clicking here

Scripture: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life:" I John 1:1 (KJV)

Are all the suits and pretty dresses hung back up?  Have the bonnets and purses and pretty little shoes been put up? The candy wrappers have been thrown away and if there were any leftovers they have been placed in the fridge. Family and friends have gone back home. In some cases I fear even the Bible was put back on the shelf after the church service until Christmas when it will be brought down and taken to church again. Easter is over!

I John 1:1 reads "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life:" No! my friend, Easter is not over!  Easter has just begun.  We have seen and felt the touch of a living a Savior. He is "still" alive!

After Jesus resurrected from the dead He spent the next 40 days making sure that people saw him: making sure that they knew he was alive. After the resurrection Jesus appeared to:

• Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9),

• To other women (Matthew 28:9)

• To Peter (ICorinthians 15:5) and two disciples (Luke 24:15-31

• He appeared to the 10 apostles, remember Thomas was not there ( John 20:19,24)

• Then he appeared to the 11 apostles including Thomas, who had to touch Jesus to make sure it was him (John 20:26-28).

• Later on he appeared to the 7 disciples fishing at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-24).

• Then he appeared to Peter, questioning him if he loved him (John 21:15-17). Has he questioned you later?

• Once again Jesus appeared to the 11 apostles (Matthew 28:16-17).

• Then he appeared to 5 hundred brethren (I Corinthians 15:7).

There was NO DOUBT He had risen, plenty had seen him.

HE IS STILL ALIVE! 

We need to remember that we serve a living Christ. Did you hear me A LIVING CHRIST! Praise God. EASTER IS NOT OVER!  Easter is a Victorious day for the Christian. 

Let me ask you today, DO you love Him? Does Jesus have to ask you, "Do you love me"? Make this a VICTORIOUS year for you as a Christian.  Love and serve the Lord.  Yes you have put away the baskets, the plastic eggs, the ham and all the leftovers, BUT, do not put away Jesus.  God bless you, let's pray.

Father, how can we thank you for giving us life, for giving us your son so that we might have life? Father show us how we can serve you, how we can tell others about the living Christ.  May we do our part Lord, to bring the lost to you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.