“He is risen! He is risen, indeed!”

This greeting was used in the early age of Christianity. We still use it today in our church. It wasn’t just for Easter, though, but a greeting for everyday use. What would happen if we greeted each other with it everyday, reminding each other that we serve a risen Savior? It might change the way we view the world, each other, our lives, and the way we worship, which brings us to our next topic in our look at Freedom in Christ. Let’s combine our key verses in John 8,

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:31, 34

So far, we have discovered that,

1. Our chains of bondage to sin have been broken!
2. We have been given access to the throne of God!

Today, we will explore: We can talk to God anytime!

²² So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again [after Jesus’ resurrection]; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy [the indwelling Holy Spirit]. ²³ At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. ²⁴ You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

²⁵ “I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father [through the Holy Spirit]. ²⁶ Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, ²⁷ for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.

With the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we have an open channel to God through the Spirit. We turn to Him in our minds just like we turn to speak to another person around us. We know He hears because we speak to Him through His Spirit who is in us (Romans 8:26).

Understand this: If we are wise, we will ask for whatever is good for us and good for the kingdom. Even if we ask for something we consider necessary or for someone else, we always qualify it with, “Not my will, but Thy will.” Jesus set this example for us in the garden (Matthew 26:39). I say it like this, “We ask according to what we know; we trust that You will answer according to what You know, Lord.”

Reminding each other that He is risen promotes conversation with the risen Savior. Let’s praise Him today on this special day!

Lord Jesus, thank You for conquering death for us so that the lines of communication with the Father have been restored. We partner with You in this world to be Your hands for serving, Your feet for going to those in need, Your ears for listening, Your arms for holding, and Your mouth for sharing Your love with others. You have risen and we are grateful! Amen.