Lent Devotional | Easter Sunday

Hope in Jesus’ Presence

A few weeks ago, I received the news that my mentor was diagnosed with a massive brain tumour. After two back-to-back emergency surgeries, he is now on a long road to recovery. He walked with me on my discernment journey, which led to a recent ministry transition. His words still echo in my mind, “I will be there for you.” Looking at the image of his frail body, I was saddened that someone I dearly love and admire would not be there for me during a time when I needed him the most.

Perhaps Jesus’ disciples shared this sentiment. Walking with Jesus for more than three years, they had the assurance that He would be there for them no matter what. But now, the disciples were reeling from the unexpected events of the week that resulted in the brutal execution of their beloved mentor and teacher. Circumstances beyond their control had robbed them of all hope and shattered their dreams. With little forewarning, life can take us into realms of despair and darkness. Like the disciples, our world sometimes falls apart, leaving us disillusioned. In a broken world, no one is exempt from sickness, death, loss, grief, relational challenges, and shattered dreams.

While the disciples were behind locked doors, unable to come to terms with their predicament, they encountered the risen Jesus. Jesus’ words ministered to their wounded souls: “Peace be with you.” Peace in life is directly related to the presence of Jesus. Because the risen Jesus was with the disciples, the circumstances of life could no longer hold them captive behind locked doors. With their hopes renewed, the disciples stepped outside of those doors and changed the first-century world.

Are you a hostage to the gloom and despair of your situation? The One who has conquered death is the source of our peace. We are not exempt from life’s trials, but the presence of Jesus offers us peace that surpasses all understanding. While my mentor might not be able to walk with me in the season ahead, I cling to the rock-solid assurance that Jesus is always with me. That is the Easter message: Our circumstances do not control our lives. Because Jesus lives, we find eternal hope in His abiding presence!

Ashwin Ramani

Lead Pastor
West Park Church, London

Prayer

Lord, I am grateful for the certainty that nothing can separate me from your love. You have promised to be with me no matter what, and that is more than enough!

Application

Find a piece of rock to symbolize the stone that was rolled away from Christ’s tomb. Keep this rock in a visible place as a reminder that Jesus is risen, and His Presence is our portion both now and forevermore.