He is Risen and Rising

Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" asked the men. "He is not here, but He has risen."

Luke 24:5-6 (CSB)

Every year one of my favorite traditions in church is when a leader proclaims, "He is RISEN!" and the people respond, "He is RISEN indeed!" It's a truth that fills our souls as we remember the depths of provision the Lord has given us through the resurrection of Jesus. It's a truth that never gets old, and I can't wait to say it again this Sunday!

Recently, we've been humbled and honored to spend some time with Pastors Duane & Kris White and several leaders from the O2 Network, in a collective learning cohort led by Dr. Leonard Sweet, and when Dr. Sweet says it, he says it like this: "He is RISEN and RISING." I've now heard him say it several times, and every time I get excited!

It is so important that we remember that it's a fact that Jesus rose from the grave. His resurrection from the dead is tangible power over sin and death and the source of our hope for life and eternity. It is a demonstration of his authority over everything, and it reminds us that...

Jesus is everything we could ever need. Easter Sunday changes everything!

AND we remember that we live in a time when we are waiting for His second return. Though we currently live in a broken world with more problems and pain than we can count, it is also a fact that Jesus is rising right now. He's at work in His promise of redemption. He's at work in the sanctification of our souls. He's working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. He is building His church as we grow the Kingdom. He is presently rising over the evil of our day and the difficulty of our circumstances.

We not only look back to when he rose. We not only look ahead to when He will return, but we look up right now to the reality that Jesus is RISING. 

May the everyday presence of the RISEN and RISING King be your greatest love, joy, and hope today and every day. HE IS RISEN and RISING INDEED!

Watch Jason’s Easter Message