FAITH CAPSULE: Jesus is alive and He lives and reigns forever.

John 20

It is written, “Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” (John 20:1-2)
Mary Magdalene was the first to announce the disappearance of  Jesus’ body from the grave. This was the Mary who Jesus healed from the possession of evil spirits. The crucifixion of Jesus meant a great deal to her. After the resurrection of Jesus, Mary was in place to recognize Jesus but could not recognize Jesus. She mistook Him for a gardener. The bible recorded it that, “She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” (John 20:15) Imagine the one who saw Jesus in the physical and not able to recognize Jesus after resurrection from grave. Jesus is alive and He lives and reigns forever.
Mary Magdalene was occupied with sorrow. Mary Magdalene was so sure of Jesus but do not have what it takes to recognize Him. Does that sound like you in the time of grave challenge?

It is written, “Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.  But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.” (Luke 21:13-16)
They could see in the physical, but they had lost sight of their Savior. They knew Jesus well, but they did not know Him well enough to identify with Him at the point of visitation after he had resurrected from where the devil could not hold Him captive. The two must have been at the point of frustration thinking their hope was gone. Are you experiencing frustration in any area of your life? Remind yourself that Jesus is not dead; He is a living God. At the time the two regained sight, it was time for Jesus’ departure. Luke 24:31, “Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.” Your story does not have to be like the two on the way to Emmaus. Emmanuel was with them yet they were far from Him. He has risen! Set focus on Him in your journey of life and allow Him to have a place in your heart.

Prayer for today: Ask God to deliver you from mind blinding agent.