But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee. Matthew 26:32
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ ” Matthew 28:5-7
The Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, he is alive and therefore ‘able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them’ (Hebrews 7:25). More than that, ‘… he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature…’. (2 Peter 1:2-4).
Jesus promised the disciples that he would go before them to Galilee once he had risen from the dead, and he did (read Matthew 28). We can be sure that God honours his promises. Many of us can testify to clear promises that God has given us individually and have been fulfilled. There are many promises in the Bible that we can stand on and trust God to fulfill in Jesus who declared that he will never leave us nor forsake us (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). He goes before us in life – we just need to follow him (Matthew 4:19; Luke 9:23 and many other references).
If Jesus is not risen, we are of all people most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19). But, praise God, Jesus is alive and has given us his Holy Spirit – the third part of the Godhead/Trinity – who assures us that we are his children and makes intercession for us, expressing the deep desires and concerns of our hearts that we can’t put into words (see Romans 8:11,16, 26-27).
What is your cry to God? What do you want him to do? Where do you want him, or see him, going before you? Bring it to him in believing prayer (John 14:13-14; 15:16). Stand on his promises!
The good news that the Spirit filled disciples proclaimed with passion is that God loves us and wants to best for us. As John said about Jesus: In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind (John 1:4), and as Jesus said: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b).
Remember: The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8).
– Ivan
Further reading: 1 Corinthians 15; Hebrews 4:14-16, 9:27-28; 10:19-25.
