Luke 24:36b-48           “The Presence of Christ”                Calvary 042609

The disciples are all gathered together confused by resent events and more so by the reports of people like Mary Magdalene and the two on the road to Emmaus who say they have seen Jesus and that he is alive. All the while being more afraid that the authorities will blame them for the empty tomb.
Suddenly Jesus appears in their midst, and they are startled, terrified, and doubt what their eyes are seeing.

We live in a world where so much is happening around us, that we tend to be skeptic about everything, more so today than perhaps during the times of the first century.
We see so many strange things on TV and read things in books and on-line that make us always very skeptic.
Many of us seen or heard of the “Reply’s believe it or not” books, and museums.
1- Joann Barnes, a 15-year-old from California, once swung sixty-eight hula-hoops on her body at the same time!
2- A man by the name of James Cook once had a chicken that laid a perfectly square egg. Now, I have seen white eggs, brown eggs, even spotted eggs, but I have never seen a square egg. Have you? I think I'd have to see it to believe it!

Throughout the 90’s David Copperfield amazed people by walking through the Great Wall of China, and sailing through the Bermuda Triangle.
Over the last couple of years, you may have not heard of him but most teens have heard or seen this 27 year old by the name of Chris Angel who’s doing all these things that no one can explain. Things like,
Making an Elephant disappear, and walk on water.

But our claim and faith along with that of these disciples is not the same. It is not a trick or an illusion and it is definitely not something to think about and celebrate once a year and then forget it as if it has no relevance in our everyday life.
These disciples left everything behind and followed Jesus, and the events of Easter were so profound that it caused such a dramatic change in their lives from that point forward. To the point where they were rejected, suffered, tortured and even died for what they believed and witnessed.

But what does that mean for us today, more than 2000 years later? People today will only commit to things they feel are relevant. So we say, “OK, Easter happened. So what? How will that make a difference in my life today?”
From the event of Easter and this encounter with the disciples we can see that Easter brings many relevant qualities to make our lives different:
It brings peace, joy, hope, and mission…

Peace vs36:
Jesus knew His followers were confused and frightened, they weren’t sure what to believe or where to turn, and so as soon as he is among them the first words that he uttered are “Peace be with you” not only as a greeting but as a first application of Easter, God’s peace. Everyone wants peace of mind. We live in a world that is full of troubles, and lacks any peace.
Many times we attempt to gain peace by our own efforts;
Optimistic songs are written about
Dreaming the impossible dream
Climbing every mountain
And flying over the rainbow
But such peace is very temporary, without first finding peace with God.

The Hebrew word for peace means fullness and wholeness. Peace comes by realizing that we’re forgiven. When we realize the peace which Easter brings us, we can face this life with calmness, serenity, assurance and confidence. Knowing that our God is the Prince of peace.

ATLAS: God of Weightlifting and Heavy Burdens. He's the one usually depicted with the whole world on his shoulders. Literally.
During the war of the TITANS, ATLAS stormed Olympus and threatened the Gods. And as punishment for this war crime, ZEUS sentenced him to hold up the heavens and bear their weight on his shoulders forever.

On 5th Avenue in New York City there is a visual reminder of the Source of true peace. At the entrance of the RCA Building is a huge statue of Atlas struggling to keep the world on his shoulders. On the other side of the street is St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Behind the altar is a small statue of Jesus effortlessly holding the whole world in one hand.
Peace is hard to come by when we strive to balance the world on our own backs, but when we heed God’s invitation to give Him our burdens, the weight of our world becomes effortless for our risen Lord.

Matt 11:28-30, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Joy vs 41
Having Christ’s Peace leads us to Joy, which is another gift that Easter brings us.
“they still did not believe because of joy and amazement.” (vs 41)
In the Gospel of John Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).
The disciples went from being overcome with grief, to being overwhelmed with Joy.

Joy is a companion to peace. We wrongly think of joy as escaping the cares of the world. And perhaps that is the kind of joy that the world offers. But God’s joy helps us overcome our concerns. Joy is not the absence of sorrow. God gives joy in the midst of sorrow.
The joy that the world provides us is a temporary distraction. The world’s joy is fleeting and artificial, and when it’s gone we’re left with greater emptiness. Christ’s joy is not a substitution but rather a transformation. It is something we become.
We’re prone to want God to change our circumstances, but God wants to change our character instead. Joy that comes from God enriches our lives and enables us to feel secure even when our circumstances are difficult.

Hope vs 44
The Peace and Joy which Easter brings us, gives us Hope which is another quality of Easter
When you know people are going to keep their promises, you have a secure hope that does not disappoint. Jesus explains to His followers how all the OT Prophecies, made thousands of years ago, were fulfilled in him.
Ps 22:16b-18, “They have pierced my hands and my feet. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
Isa 53:5-6, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Studies show that hope is the most important factor in the treatment of illness. Hope is necessary for survival. With hope, we can get up and face another day. And that is what Easter brings us.

Mission, verses 47-48
Easter brings internal and eternal qualities of peace, joy, and hope…which result in external action. God has plans for us, a mission. We participate in the work of Christ by sharing the Good News. Every church has a mission statement.

Ours is found on the cover of our church bulletin:
        “Calvary Presbyterian Church is a spiritual community focused on sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with all of God’s children.”
We all have unique gifts, and God expects us to find our niche in His Kingdom.
We have a mission to be witnesses by what we say and do. Is God telling you to serve Him? To help someone? To say yes to something, or to give something up? To take on a special project for His glory?

Conclusion
We can walk away from Easter with renewed peace, joy, hope and a firm sense of mission, which can affect our entire outlook on life. We become purpose-driven to win our world for Christ. Our whole image—how we appear and talk, our outlook and reaction to life will all be different…and when people ask what’s happened to us, we can answer: “Easter happened.”           AMEN.

Prayer
Risen Lord Jesus, we find in You our reason for living, and our hope for life eternal. Lead us to honor You and trust You for everything in life. And to recognize that You are there, ready to change our emptiness into wholeness. Thank You for Your love that purchased our salvation. Amen.