POST-RESURRECTION BLESSINGS FROM JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ can be aptly described as an embodiment of unrivaled blessings. Every facet of his life (pre incarnate, incarnate, when under arrest, in trial, on the cross, in the grave, in resurrection, in ascension and in heaven, etc) was full of varieties of blessings that are beyond cataloguing and description. This is not too surprising because the Bible says he was anointed by God with the Holy Ghost and with power and "he went about doing good - - " (Acts 10:38). Furthermore, Apostle John reports that "- - there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, - - even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written- -" (John 21:25). Obviously, blessing people must have been a big part of what John referred to as "many other things Jesus did".
Christians all over the world have just celebrated this year's Easter Sunday (April 1, 2018) marking another anniversary of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While this anniversary event is still fresh in our minds let us look at some of the post resurrection blessings Jesus bestowed on his followers. A thorough understanding of these blessings can be useful and instructive to any one desiring similar blessings from Jesus Christ. He is still in the business of blessing people for the Bible says, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever". (Heb 13:8)
The blessings that will be discussed in this message were among those released by Jesus during his appearances to various groups of his disciples and followers during his 40 days of sojourn between his resurrection and ascension to heaven. Notable among these appearances are (1) to Mary Magdalene ( Jn.20:11-17), (2) to Other women (Matt 28: 9-10), (3) to Peter (1 Cor. 15:5, Luke 24:34), (4) to Seven disciples (Jn. 21: 1-23), (5) to The eleven disciples (Mk. 16:14, Jn. 20: 26-29, (6) to More than 500 brethren (1 Cor. 15:6).
All the people to whom Jesus appeared received some form of blessings or the other from Him. Nobody has an encounter with Jesus and go empty! The numerous post resurrection blessings transferred by Jesus Christ to his disciples and followers can be classified generally as follows:
1. The blessing of His Presence
II The blessing of Peace
III. The blessing of Provisions
IV The blessing Power
I. The blessing of His Presence (Jn 21:1-14; Ps 16:11)
The presence of Jesus Christ means a lot to His followers. His presence is a reflection of one of his names, Emmanuel (meaning God with us, Matt 1:23) as well as a demonstration of his omnipresence nature (Psalm 139: 7-10). On one occasion before he died, Jesus emphasized the value of His presence in the lives of his disciples by telling them " --Without me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). Although all his disciples ran away and deserted him during his trial and crucifixion, Jesus' affinity for them did not wane after his resurrection. It is not surprising therefore that after Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and some other women he sent them to his disciples saying, "---go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me" (Matt 28:10). Jesus cherished fellowshipping with those that he loves.
Cleopas and another unnamed traveler were two of Jesus' followers that were blessed with his presence (Lk. 24: 13-32). The duo were travelling from Jerusalem to Emmaus,sadly discussing what has happened to Jesus. Suddenly, Jesus Christ joined them and without disclosing to them who he was he asked them what their conversation was all about. Cleopas responded: "--Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?" (v. 18). When Jesus asked them "What things?", they told him the news that was going on regarding his arrest, crucifixion and resurrection still not knowing who he was. Jesus then rebuked them about their unbelief saying, "--, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory" (vv25-26). Jesus then gave them a refresher course about himself and the prophets beginning with Moses.
When they arrived at Emmaus, it was getting late and Cleopas and his partner persuaded Jesus to spend the night at their place of residence and to dine with them. Jesus agreed and "- - as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures" (Luke 24: 30-32).
Among other things the presence of Jesus brought joy, hope and confidence to the women and the disciples who went to seek him at his grave. Cleopas and his colleague were blessed by the scriptures Jesus expounded to them and they also must have felt safe and secured in the presence of Jesus. They were relieved of their anxiety. Are you disheartened or burdened by any situation going on in your personal life or circumstances in your environment? Bring that "burden" to the presence of Jesus Christ in prayer. Obey his injunction that says, "come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28).
II. The blessing of peace (Jn. 20:19, 20, 26)
Peace is another type of blessing that Jesus released to his disciples and followers before and after his resurrection. He was able to do this because he is the custodian and possessor of peace. Remember one of his names is Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). One time during his earthly ministry he sent out his disciples to preach, heal and cast out devils. As they were going he charges them saying, " Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!' And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you". (Luke 10:6-4). Where did the disciples get the peace they were to distribute to the houses they visited? Obviously from Jesus Christ himself. On another occasion Jesus calmed the great windstorm that arose against the boat of his disciples while they were sailing on the sea. When the disciples cried to him for help Jesus rebuked the wind saying "Peace be still". Immediately the storm cease and there was a great calm (Mk. 4: 35-39)
On the first day of Jesus' resurrection, his disciples assembled themselves together locked up in a room for the fear of the Jews. Miraculously, Jesus Christ appeared in their midst allaying their fear by saying "Peace be unto you" (John 20:19). He repeated this same phrase on two other occasions (verses 21 and 26). Additionally, as Jesus Christ was preparing to leave this world he said to his disciples "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).
Regrettably, many people are in today's world looking for peace in the wrong places such a wealth, sex, drug, alcohol, fashion, etc. Jesus Christ already declares that he is the one that offers peace while the world offers tribulation: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (Jn. 16:33). Pure peace can only be found in Jesus Christ, the prince of peace. Give your life to him and you will experience peace like a river. In this post resurrection era, I decree that the peace of God will increase in your life, your family, your work, your ministry, in the city you live in and in everywhere you go in the mighty name of Jesus.
III. The Blessing of Provisions (Jn 21: 1-13, LK. 24:30)
The Bible says " Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever". (Hebrew 13:8). The wonderful works of Jesus of blessing people by providing for their diverse needs continued unabated after his resurrection. For example, seven of his disciples (led by Simon Peter) went fishing at the sea of Siberia. They fished all night and caught nothing. Their failure might be due to the fact that they had forsaken their God ordained assignment to be "fishers of men". It can be dangerous and counterproductive for believers to abandon what God has called us to do. Jonah's experience in this regard is a serious warning (Jonah 1-4)
At day break when the seven disciples were tired, frustrated and disappointed for their failure, Jesus saw them, had mercy on them and told them to throw their net in the right side of the boat. Immediately, they caught more than enough fish than they could carry (John 21:1-13). Jesus turned their failure to a huge success! Furthermore, he invited them to "come dine" with him and treated them to a delicious hot meal of bread and fish which he personally served to them. The plan of God is to supply all the need of his followers according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19). The 7 disciples (led by Peter) were tremendously blessed when Jesus Christ directed them to where to catch plenty of fish. They then had something to show for their all night labor. Henceforth you will not abandon your God-ordained assignment and you shall not labor in vain again.
IV The Blessing of Power (Jn. 20:22-23, Acts 10:38)
Power of the Holy Ghost is another blessing Jesus Christ endowed his disciples with after his resurrection. This came about when Jesus Christ appeared in the midst of his disciples who were assembled and shut in for fear of the Jews. After Jesus spoke peace unto them he then breathed on them saying "Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained" (John 20: 22-23). The Holy Ghost symbolizes power according to Acts 1:8. Jesus Christ obviously remembered the powerful role the Holy Ghost played in His ministry for the Bible says "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him" (Acts 10:38).
Therefore, by breathing on the disciples Jesus Christ empowered them to do good works including ability to remit or retain the sins of the people they were to share the gospel with. That is, the words the disciples would preach carried divine power because they were inspired by God and people would either be saved if they received and obeyed the words or condemned if they rejected and disobeyed the word of God. Note that the Bible says "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16). The inspired word of God is powerful (Heb. 4:12) and when it is preached with the power of the Holy Ghost it will definitely have very great impact on the recipients of the hearers. In this season may God blessing you with fresh anointing of the Holy Ghost power for doing greater exploits for the LORD in Jesus name
Conclusion.
Jesus Christ came in to this world to be a blessing by providing salvation and meeting other needs. He successfully completed His assignment and declared "It is finished" He never lost steam in blessing people even in the grave, on the cross and after his resurrection. Four post resurrection blessings he provided (and is still providing) to his followers as discussed in this message are (a) the blessing of his presence, (b) the blessing of peace, (c) the blessing of provision and the (d) the blessings of power. You can enjoy these blessings and much more by giving your life to Jesus Christ as your LORD and Savior.
