I like the verse from Revelation 1:18, ‘I AM the living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!’
It’s something our hearts will sing when we too die (or are present when Jesus returns): Behold, I was dead in my sins, but now – because of Jesus – I am alive for ever and ever!
In Revelation 1:4b-8 (NIV), we also read: “Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father – to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”
Finally, these verses from the last chapter of Revelation (Rev. 22: 12-17): “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
“I, Jesus … am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.“
“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
As Selwyn says, in today’s study, ‘millions of Christians around the world are joyfully celebrating’, the resurrection of the Christ. Yet, there will be some (family, friends and neighbours) who don’t wish to take the free gift of the water of life – and that carries with it a lot of sadness.
I think, Selwyn’s prayer for today makes a great conclusion: “Lord Jesus, thankful as I am for the empty tomb, that is not the only thing that convinces me that You are alive. The greatest evidence is that You are alive in my heart – and for that I am eternally thankful. Amen.”
Is Jesus alive in your heart?