Present Risenness
Mar 21
I read a book a number of years ago called Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging by Brennan Manning. It changed my life for a number of reasons. One of the chapters that has meant so much to me every Easter is titled “Present Risenness”.
This chapter led me to a time of reflection on the reality of living in the “present risenness” of Jesus. Did I really believe that the resurrected Jesus lived in me and walked with me everyday? How could I access the same power for my life that literally raised Jesus from the dead 2000 years ago?
Here is the dilemma for us: We celebrate Easter this Sunday like we do every year. It is a time that we put on Passion Plays, special musicals, and we even hunt plastic eggs filled with candy. I do like eating the candy my children labor to find. The reality of the resurrection of Jesus must be experienced as more than a past historical event! Otherwise, “it is robbed of its impact on the present.” For a lot of people, Christians included, the resurrection means nothing. Also some Jesus followers relegate the central saving act of the Christian faith to some future hope of heavenly bliss. This is correct and we should relish our home in heaven but not let it rob us of walking in the “present risenness” of Jesus.
We must not “let the old, old story, become the old, old story”.
Check out this verse from Paul’s letter to the Philippians 3:10 here.
And check out what Paul writes from Ephesians 1:17-20 here.
The challenge is taking what is a great idea, but somewhat ambiguous, and making it practical and real in our lives. I don’t know that I have it figured out, but I am going to live my life fighting to walk according to “Present Risenness” based on these three principles:
1. Walk by faith.
Standing on a London street corner, G. K. Chesterton was approached by a newspaper reporter. “Sir, I understand that you recently became a Christian. May I ask you one question?”
“Certainly,” replied Chesterton.
“If the risen Christ suddenly appeared at this very moment and stood behind you, what would you do?”
Chesterton looked the reporter squarely in the eye and said, “He is.” (Page 99)
2. I will chart my course in my spiritual journey. I trust Jesus with my life and the same power that raised Him from the dead is the power that will transform me into His image.
3. I will cultivate intimacy daily with Jesus. Read Revelation 3:20 here.
The Jesus who walked the roads of Judea and Galilee is the One who stands beside us. the Christ of history is the Christ of faith. (page 99)
