Seeking the Risen Lord

By Isaac David Kisembo // April 20th 2025

Before delving into the glorious resurrection narrative in Mark 16:1-8, I pose a fundamental question: Is your faith authentic, real, and alive?. We can accumulate years of Christian experience and involvement, yet just as longevity in marriage does not automatically equate to a thriving relationship, our faith can similarly become stagnant. We might possess knowledge of the Lord and have personal testimonies, but are we actively beholding the biblical Christ?.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 of the gospel we receive and in which we stand, the very gospel by which we are being saved, if we hold fast to the word preached, unless we believed in vain. 

The distractions of this world, the allure of wealth, and other desires can readily impede the word’s impact. Like the Galatians, we may begin our walk of faith with enthusiasm but can easily stray off. Even Judas, in his close proximity to Jesus, ultimately remains distant. Therefore, the intent is not to question Christ’s accomplished work, but rather to issue an appeal to continually behold the biblical Christ.

So, how do we cultivate this continuous beholding? I propose three key ways for our consideration:

1. Give careful thought to your devotion. In Mark 16:1-2, we observe Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome buying spices with the intention of anointing Jesus. This act is an expression of their devotion, love, and understanding. These are women who know the Lord, witness his trial and crucifixion. They have even heard Jesus foretell his death and resurrection on the third day in Mark 8:31. However, on the first day of the week, their actions reveal a focus on anointing his body. While their devotion is evident, we must question whether they are truly considering Jesus’s promise. Similarly, we must critically examine our own devotions. Are they aligned with the promises found in God’s Word? Does Jesus instruct us to prepare spices and expect to find him in the tomb? No, he indicates we will not find him there. We must continually assess whether our devotion is truly biblical.
   
2. Hold fast to the fulfilled word in which you stand. As the women ponder who will remove the heavy stone from the tomb’s entrance, they discover it has already been rolled away. Upon entering, they encounter a young man dressed in white who declares, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him“.
   
   This young man, possibly an angel, serves as a reminder of Christ’s promise. We do not necessarily need a new experience; rather, we need to remember and hold fast to what He has already said. Psalm 78 speaks of establishing a testimony and law so that future generations will place their hope in God and keep His commandments. The remarkable truth is that we possess His Word, His promises. This living Word continually aids us in beholding the biblical Christ. Let us not be overwhelmed by our circumstances but instead remember His promises, for His word is truth. Our confidence lies in the fact that He speaks, and it comes to pass. We do not require past ‘dead things’ to be revived within us; our focus should be on meditating on the enduring truth of His Word.
   
   Therefore, let us hold fast not to fleeting experiences, but to the steadfast reality of what He said and what He accomplished. The gift of God’s Word distinguishes us, providing us with His rules and commands. This living Word helps us to continually behold the biblical Christ.
   
3. Keep proclaiming or heralding the gospel. The young man instructs the women, “But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you“. Our amazement at and beholding of the biblical Christ deepens the more we share Him with others. Let us never lose the wonder of speaking about Jesus, the one who paid the ultimate price. 

The good news of forgiveness and reconciliation with God is the most profound news we can receive. We must be compelled to share the message of His sacrifice: He was crucified, He is not here, and He is returning. Notably, the instruction specifically includes Peter, the head of the disciples. This highlights the importance of continually reminding even our leaders and pastors of the foundational truths of the gospel. As Paul charges Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1-2, “preach the word…be ready in season and out of season“. Even when it is challenging, someone needs to hear the life-transforming message of the gospel. 

We are called to preach the word, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with patience and sound teaching. This good news is our very life, the bedrock of our hope, and the very reason for our existence. Let the good news of our Lord continually be on our lips. We are to study diligently to show ourselves approved, rightly handling the word of truth. Let us not be swayed by those who seek teachers to gratify their own desires and turn away from the truth. Instead, let us endure, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfil our ministry.

Therefore, as we contemplate our risen Lord, let us commit to giving careful thought to our devotion, holding firmly to the blessed gift of His Word, and persistently proclaiming the gospel. For it is in these very acts that we truly behold the biblical Christ. Praise be to God.