Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted [that it was really He].
Matthew 28:16-17 AMP

Jesus was alive! He was there with the disciples, speaking with the disciples, being worshiped by the disciples–yet some doubted it was really Him. They questioned what their eyes were seeing. Was this really the One they had just seen crucified? Was He really alive? Were they really seeing Jesus in the flesh once again? Did their Lord really defeat death?!

Yes! Yes He did!

Death could not hold Him. Nothing could.  Not doubt. Not fear. And definitely not feelings.

We must remember this today: Jesus is still alive whether or not we feel it and whether or not we choose to believe it. Our thoughts, our feelings, our emotions–nothing will ever change who God is. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We may fall asleep in prayer, but God never slumbers nor sleeps. We may allow the busyness of life to distract us from the restorative fellowship of time with God, but God never leaves us nor forsakes us. God is God, not man. God is not hormonal. He is not fickle. He always acts in righteousness. His anger is always just. And He is holy.

So on this Monday, when once again we face the realities of life–when bills are due, when work resumes, when the excitement of Easter clothes, sunrise services,  family dinners, and candy-filled eggs are but memories–let us also be thankful Jesus’ victory was not dependent upon us. We would have fallen asleep in the garden. We would have fought those guards trying to arrest Him.  We would have denied Him to save ourselves. We would have vehemently defended His innocence. We would have cursed those who put Him on the cross. We would have lost all hope at the sight of His lifeless body being placed in the tomb. We would have doubted what our eyes were seeing when our Savior returned from the grave. Yes, if salvation were in our hands and based on our choices, we’d still be lost.

Jesus was beaten physically, abused emotionally, and punished spiritually for our sake. He felt it all–whatever physical struggle we may face, whatever emotional turmoil we may battle, even the excruciating pain of spiritual darkness and separation. Yet even though as a human He didn’t feel like going through with it; even though as a human He prayed for God to save Him if there were any other way, He followed through with it. Jesus endured all of it–even death–yet did not succumb to any of it. And with His surrender came His victory: Jesus is alive!

Yes, whether or not we feel it, whether or not we understand it, and whether or not we see Him in our circumstances–Jesus is still alive.

Hallelujah! Jesus is alive!

This means today–yes, even this Monday morning, when the coffee isn’t strong enough, the kids are up way too early, and your boss is taking things out on you–Jesus is still alive. And no matter how you feel or what you see, you are forgiven, you are free, and God is with you.

Jesus is alive!

Know, believe, trust in, and walk out this truth today. He defeated death, He wiped away sin, and He is preparing a place for us even now. Our bodies are mortal, our emotions up and down, and our circumstances uncertain, but God is eternal. And Jesus is alive!

This indeed is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.