Gary Varvel: Happy Resurrection Day

Trump's Easter Proclamation is the opposite of Biden's

Gary Varvel

Apr 20

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JESUS IS ALIVE!

Why do you think Jesus reveals Himself to some people and not to others?

The Bible says in Luke 24:13-35, that three days after Jesus died, two men who had followed Jesus during his ministry, were walking the seven mile journey to the town of Emmaus. Then Jesus shows up and begins walking with them.

“But God kept them from recognizing him.” (Luke 24:16) Why? That’s a good question. Keep reading.

Jesus asked them why they were so depressed and the one of the men named, Cleopas, explained about Jesus’ crucifixion and reports that his body was missing from his tomb.

“Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:25-27 NLT)

Did you see what happened? Instead of Jesus revealing himself to them as he did Mary Magdalene, He used the Old Testament scriptures and prophecies to open their eyes to the truth of who he really is.

Possibly because Mary was seeking the Lord and she found Him. The 2 guys were leaving town so Jesus hid himself and called the “foolish.”

Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Sadly, many can’t find the Lord for the same reason a thief can’t find a policeman.

Jesus probably explained to those men that He is the ark that saved Noah’s family. He is the burning bush who called Moses, He is the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23. He is the water of life, the sacrificial lamb and the Lion of Judah… Jesus is the ram at Abraham’s altar which became a substitute for Isaac who represents us in Genesis 22. And He is the suffering servant who dies for us in Isaiah 53.

When the 2 men finally recognized that it was Jesus, He disappeared before their eyes. And they said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)

Romans 10:17 says, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

God uses His word to open the mind, heart and eyes of unbelievers if they are willing. John 1:9 says, Jesus is “the true light that gives light to everyone…”

One last thing: Luke 24:13 (NLT) says, “That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem.” Notice this verse describes these 2 men as “followers” of Jesus. They knew him as a “prophet,” who performed “miracles” and was a “mighty teacher” (verse 19). They didn’t know Him as their Savior yet. They hadn’t yet made the connection.

I pray that everyone who reads this will make the connection this Easter.

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VIDEO - President Donald Trump’s Easter Prayer Service speech.

TRUMP’S EASTER PROCLAMATION

As Todd Starnes reminds us, “Last year President Biden declared that Easter Sunday would be a day to celebrate Transgender people.”

But this year, we have a new president who is not ashamed of his faith in Jesus Christ. In his Presidential Proclamation he wrote:

“During this sacred week, we acknowledge that the glory of Easter Sunday cannot come without the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross. In His final hours on Earth, Christ willingly endured excruciating pain, torture, and execution on the cross out of a deep and abiding love for all His creation. Through His suffering, we have redemption. Through His death, we are forgiven of our sins. Through His Resurrection, we have hope of eternal life. On Easter morning, the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and light prevails over darkness—signaling that death does not have the final word.”

Franklin Graham told CBN, “I think this proclamation has been historic. There has not been, in my lifetime, a president that has communicated the gospel as clearly as he has.” Graham continued, “Now he’s not a preacher but in this proclamation he gave one of the best sermons for Easter that many pastors will give from the pulpit.”

The bully-pulpit of the president cannot make a nation Christian. That doesn’t happen by presidential proclamations. But:

1 Samuel 2:30 says, “Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.”

I find it refreshing that we have a president who is “not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew and then for the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

As you gather at your church and celebrate with your family this Easter, pray for our leaders to “be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)