the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
John Gossner's Treasury
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and said unto them, Peace be unto you. Why are ye troubled? Behold my hands and my feet, that it Is I myself. John 20:19. Luke 24:38-39.
The disciples did not hasten to the world when their Master was dead and lay in the grave; on the contrary, they shut themselves in, for they feared the world, howbeit their fear was not altogether noble; they feared that they also might be apprehended and crucified, and now they had neither the inclination nor the power to meet such a fate. Yet this fear was beneficial to them in that they were thereby protected from the world, quietly awaiting their Savior. If Jesus shall arise in you, and you shall make certain that He lives in you, you must first shut out the world and keep your heart open to your Savior only. Further, you must also be desirous of seeking company with those who, like yourself, wait for the consolation of Israel, who will not be satisfied with a dead Christ, but desire to have the living Jesus. Among the dead you are and remain dead; among the living you live. When, as the disciples, you are isolated and disengaged from the world, absorbed in quiet expectation, prayer and supplication, united with all the pious and faithful, longing for Jesus, then will He reveal Himself in spirit in the midst of your heart, and bring you that peace which surpasseth all understanding, the real Easter-prize, which He won through His great struggle and victory. Thus you shall be assured that it is He Himself and no phantom, no ghost.
Jesus lives! I know full well.
Naught from me His love shall sever;
Life, nor death, nor powers of hell.
Part me now from Christ for ever.
God will be a sure defence:
This shall be my confidence.
