Week 45b--Gospels Week 6--Epilogue (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-20; Luke 24:44-53; John 20:24-21:25)

When I was about 7 years old, my family took a trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas and saw the Passion Play they present every year. I don’t remember much from that trip, or from the play, but one image from the play sticks in my mind. After Jesus rose again and appeared to Mary Magdalene, she left Him to take His message to the Apostles. She went running across the countryside/stage yelling “I HAVE SEEN THE LORD! I HAVE SEEN THE LORD!” 

After reading all four gospels in about a week and a half, I want to shout it from the mountain tops as well.

I HAVE SEEN THE LORD!!!

I have seen Him in the law of Leviticus, as the One Who Sanctifies.

I have seen Him in the history books of Joshua and 1&2 Chronicles, as the Angel of the Lord who continually fights for--and leads--the armies of Israel.

I have seen Him in the Psalms, for He is the Shepherd, the Word, and the Strong Tower.

I have seen Him in the books of prophecy, for His coming was foretold for a thousand years.

I have seen Him, obviously, in the Gospels, which are essentially four biographies of the Son of God.

I have seen Him fulfill the Covenant which God made with the children of Israel, despite their refusal to love and obey Him.

Many others had a chance to see the Lord after His Resurrection. He appeared to the apostles several times, giving the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:14-20, Luke 22:44-49). They then took His message to the ends of the known earth. Jesus also restored Peter’s broken relationship with Himself (John 21:15-19) He and remained on the earth 40 more days before His ascension (we actually discover this in Acts 1:3).

Even though He is not physically present on earth today, we can still see the Lord. Jesus’ work continues today in believers who continue to carry the Gospel to the farthest reaches of the known world--which is a lot easier these days thanks to the internet! This fact is best summed up by the last verse in John’s gospel: “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25).

Have you seen the Lord?