April 9, 2023 | 7:51 AM

He is Risen! So Brothers & Sisters why do you sleep?

He is Risen! So Brothers & Sisters why do you sleep?

Today Christians celebrate the most holy of events – the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

While the life and times of Jesus are amazing, his death offers hope to all who believe and have faith.

Now I mix two verses in the title to grab attention. Luke 24: 6 “He is not here, but is risen!” refers to the two men in shining garments talking to the followers of Christ who had come to the tomb and did not find his body. Just as powerful is Luke 22:46 where upon returning to the 12 disciples from prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ find them sleeping from sorrow and proclaims  “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”

He IS Risen!

So brothers and sisters, why do you sleep? Are you asleep in your faith in God and his son Jesus Christ? Are you asleep in involvement with your family and making it a Christ centered home? Are you asleep in attacks on Christianity and its teachings, both verbally and physically, around the globe?

In full disclosure, as a sinner and believer, I have been in and out of sleep throughout my life. However, I have never been more awake than I am now.

In faith in the Resurrection, there is hope for what lies beyond this plane of existence. I have watched just about every movie that depicts the life and death of Jesus. Some are better than others. “Killing Jesus” by Bill O’Reilly is OK. I thought some details were left out that should have been included. I do think this version probably has an actor that is more likely what Christ really looked like. Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ”  I personally find the best, yet most horrific in its depiction of the violence Jesus went through. I cannot watch the scourging scene…. Once was enough to paint a lasting picture in my mind. As a father of 4, 3 of which are sons, I must confess that I do not have the strength to sacrifice any of my children for any greater good. I am selfish here. When I think of the pain that God, the father, must have went through to sacrifice Jesus for our sins….. It is unbearable. God gave this sacrifice so that you and I and any that have faith will live forever!

That is something to get excited about!

So my brothers and sisters – wake up from the slumber. Shape your family and community. Stand up for our beliefs. Speak the truth in the word of God. If you find that you are so far off the path that you need help and have no one to sturdy your feet, contact me and I will direct someone to you.

And remember – HE IS RISEN!