Christ Jesus and His Living Presence in Our Lives

"I am the resurrection and the life. 

The one who believes in Me will live, even though he dies."

(John 11: 25)

"Christ Jesus" is a name, a phrase, a concept, a theory and a never-ending debate for many people in this world. The questions about His existence on earth and in heaven has been a point of argument, and the place of Christ Jesus in the blessed Trinity is a greater point for everyone to ponder on. The world continues searching for evidence to accept Him as the living saviour. But, interestingly on the other side, the pronouncement of the name of Christ Jesus remains powerful, miraculous, believable, life-changing and inspiring over the centuries. Every prayer in the name of Jesus is answered according to God's will, either in the exact way that you prayed for or in a better way that God had planned it for. Miracles happen, blessings flow in abundance, the sinner receives His grace and the journey with Christ Jesus continues, day by day. He is with us in this journey of life!

One of the most astonishing things that I learned about this entire realm of questioning "Christ Jesus" is the interest that people who still do not believe in Him show towards. People who do not yet believe in Jesus have more thrilling questions about His life on earth and His living presence of today than those who believe in Him. I know that we would have a simple answer - "the believers do not question His living presence because they BELIEVE in Him!" Yes. So true and logical. That's where our Christian Faith could be looked back once again on this Easter Day! Only when we believe, the living presence of Jesus is reflected in our lives. 

I remember the way I received and pondered on this question that was once asked in a youth camp - "what is the difference between knowing about Christ and knowing Christ?" This question indeed sparked a difference in the way how I understood my faith. Anyone in this world could know about Christ Jesus. But the difference that is expected in a Christian, who is a believer of Christ Jesus, is not only to know about Him but also to know Him. I believe that's where the difference begins. The major difference is there. Only those who "believe" in Christ Jesus could see and understand who He is. Only those who believe in Him would understand why is he called Christ! It is the belief that brings in the change. 

In the midst of the world calamity that exists during these days of the Corona Virus Pandemic, the Easter 2020 comes to all of us as a sign of hope. The resurrection of Christ Jesus is remembered in the midst of loss, fear, sickness, deaths, insecurities and unimaginable questions globally. And, in the midst of all these, we have a living Saviour who reminds us "I am the resurrection and the life." Jesus also says, "The one who believes in Me will live, even though he dies." And that is the greatest joy in remembering the resurrection of Christ Jesus. It is a celebration of our belief.

Let us remember that God does not only assure us of resurrection and life but also a greater assurance and that is Him! Christ is that resurrection. Jesus is that life that we yearn for. And through Him, we find resurrection and life. So, let us remember that it is through this stable and wonderful belief that we have in Christ Jesus do we see Him. Jesus always appreciated belief. In John 20: 29 Jesus says "“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” At places when Jesus healed and brought in great changes in people's life, He always asked people to express their belief. And, it is this belief that becomes the centre-point of the resurrection and life that we find in Christ Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus reminds and assures us of the life that is promised in Him. 

I have, personally, always kept myself open for not-yet believers to come up with questions. I may not have answered them, but I have learned to look at things from their perspectives. I have bolstered myself with the same questions that they had and have been praying and asking God to reveal to me the answers. And, in such many ventures of finding the answers, I have always seen the belief being the key to many other things promised further. Until someone believes in Christ Jesus, the questions would remain. Only when someone begins to believe in Him, only when this knowing happens, things would be revealed. I have tried so many times to bring in all my effort to share the awesomeness of Christ with many, but I always saw belief to be that key factor. Thus, as a Christian who believes in the risen saviour, your belief should stand as the living example in front of others. In the midst of uncertainties, calamities, difficult situations and troubled waters, your belief in Christ Jesus should stand as a wonderful example of the life that you find in Him. 

Let this Easter remind us of that Belief! Jesus said, "Everything is possible for one who believes" (Mark 9: 23). Yes! Let belief be at the centre. Even when your calculations fail, expectations disappoint and pillars of fundamental proofs fade away, hold on to what you believe! Because, as the followers of Christ Jesus, we know that it is this belief that will keep us together with Him.

I pray that the power of God the Father, the grace of Christ Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit help each of us and bless us to believe in Him with a whole heart. Let us see greater things happening in our lives and through us in others lives. Let us continue to believe in Him at all times and in all situations. Let others see the living presence of Christ Jesus in our lives. 

May God bless you and keep you safe.

Wish you a Blessed Easter.

Yours in Christ,

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow"