The Lord Is Risen Indeed!

April 2023

These five words found in Luke 24:34 have changed the world for time and eternity: “The Lord is risen indeed!” There is so much hope, joy, peace, comfort, and encouragement in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though the Lord Jesus Himself had prophesied on numerous occasions of His death and resurrection, His followers had not comprehended it. All of them were plunged into a state of fear, sorrow, and discouragement after the crucifixion of their Lord. Their souls were numb.

Most of the disciples hid for fear of the Jews. Those who did go out, like the two disciples on the Emmaus Road, carried their grief like a heavy weight with each painful step. It was at this time that our risen Savior appeared to them and walked with them. He spoke the Word of God to them, revealing Himself in the breaking of bread. Their hearts burned within them as He spoke to them.

These two disciples, one of whom is named Cleopas, rushed back to Jerusalem and brought the glorious news of the risen Savior: He is risen indeed! The word indeed is an adjective meaning, “certainly, truly, admittedly; often used for emphasis or confirmation.” What a beautiful and descriptive word in telling the glad tidings of our Lord’s resurrection! He who died is risen. Revelation 1:18 says, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and death.”

Dr. George Sweeting tells of an incident in the early 1920s when Communist leader Nikolai Bukharin was sent from Moscow to Kiev to address an anti-God rally. For an hour he abused and ridiculed the Christian faith until it seemed as if the whole structure of belief was in ruins. Then questions were invited. An Orthodox church priest rose and asked to speak. He turned, faced the people, and gave the Easter greeting, “He is risen!” Instantly, the assembly rose to its feet and the reply came back loud and clear, “He is risen indeed!”

He is risen indeed and death is defeated, hell is conquered, the world is vanquished, and the devil is destroyed! As believers, we have victory and no longer live in hopelessness, fear, defeat, or sorrow. We serve a living Savior. He lives in our hearts and is with us even to the end of the age. We have a story to tell, a life to live, and a Savior to serve. Hallelujah! The Lord is risen, indeed!