Wednesday, May 1, 2013

THE FORTY DAYS OF HIS RESURRECTION PRESENCE

After Jesus rose from the dead He remained on earth for forty days. During this time he was visible and on many occasions appeared to believers. Although changed, he nevertheless had a real body, wore clothes, and ate and functioned with them. His own people could see and touch him. He was fully fitted as a new man to remain on earth had he so desired, yet he was risen in Glory, the Eternal God revealed in man. It was to this that John referred when he said; “That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and our hands have handled concerning the Word of life – that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us...” (1 Jn 1:1-3) The disciples not only saw him but they touched him and handled him in his resurrection.
What significance does this have?
We have seen how God's presence in the Old Testament was in the Cloud which was visible to his people. Not everyone could approach that cloud; but Moses was able to enter it and when he did he saw God "face to face". For forty days he was with God in the cloud and when he came out he radiated that glory so much that he had to cover his face. (Ex 34:30-33)
In a similar way believers were with Jesus for forty days in his resurrection glory. Not everyone saw him; only believers. He appeared to them and taught them many things. First he revealed himself to individuals and then to more and more of his followers but no unbeliever could see his visible presence. (Acts 10:40,41) He appeared first to Mary Magdalene and other women. Very early in the morning just before daybreak they went to the tomb. These women loved him dearly and could not stay away. Jesus appeared to them. Then he appeared to more people. Paul gave a detailed account of the order of Christ's resurrection appearances and where he appeared. I believe there is a reason why he did so. Jesus first appeared to individual people who loved Him more than anything else. Then He appeared to small groups of dedicated disciples. Finally he appeared to the larger crowd. He made himself visible wherever and whenever he chose. He came and went at will, stepping between the visible and invisible realms. He was invincible and Thomas declared of him, "my Lord and my God". He illustrated his perfect suitability for life on earth and his ability to interact between the two realms.
The 40 days of resurrection is in direct contrast to the 40 days of temptation Christ suffered. That was a terrible time directly after his baptism when as “The Lamb of God who bears away the sins of the world” he was led by the Spirit as our scapegoat into the wilderness to suffer 40 days of devastating temptation from Satan. His three and a half years of ministry started with 40 days of severe personal conflict and ended with 40 days of triumphant victory.
Peter described this time of resurrection interaction in Acts 1:1-4, 21,22. Everything Jesus said and did from his baptism until he ascended and especially during the 40 days resurrection was to teach about the Kingdom of God. Peter mentions how Jesus “went in and out among us”. To what did he refer? It was to the manner in which Jesus could move between the invisible and visible dimensions right here “in the air”. He stepped in and out. He did not come from the other end of the universe; he was and still is just a step away. Jesus showed them how the Kingdom of God works. It was to this that the two messengers on the Mount of Olives referred when they said “he will come in like manner”. This means in like deportment and character; the same Jesus, the same way.

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