HE IS RISEN IN OUR HEARTS - by Karena Lout


“He isn’t here! He has risen victoriously, just as he said!” Matthew 28:6  
   
During a recent trip to Italy, I visited St. Peter’s Basilica where it is believed Peter’s tomb is. It reminded me of my first trip to Israel, where we visited the church of the Holy Sepulchre (also known as the Church of the Resurrection) in Jerusalem. It is believed that this is the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. These churches are often built as memorials or monuments and are considered “holy sites.” As beautiful as they are, I’m reminded that we all have a living memorial in our hearts because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
 
In John 2, Jesus tells the religious leaders to destroy the temple and He will raise it up again in three days. They were offended and scoffed at him since it took them 46 years
to build. But Jesus was referring to his death and resurrection. His body is the temple.
Like the religious leaders, it can feel painful when we realize we’ve built monuments around ideas or beliefs that have no lasting value. But the good news is that Jesus has given himself as our solid foundation that won’t crumble under the weight of shaking.

“For since we are permanently grafted into him to experience a death like his,
then we are permanently grafted into him to experience a resurrection
like his and the new life that it imparts.”
Romans 6:5 (Passion)
 
During this holy week, I encourage you to take time and ask Jesus to show you what resurrection in your heart looks like. What ways does he want to bring new life? He had you in mind when he went to the cross and when he was raised to new life. You were and ARE the joy set before him!
 
Love, Karena

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