Hope Re-Ignited // Easter 2023

When you go through difficulties:  

1. Jesus looks for you.  

“Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.” Luke 24:13-16  

“This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing. In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning.” Hebrews 10:25 (TPT)

2. Jesus walks with you.  

“Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country.” Mark 16:12 

“When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end—because I am God, your personal God, the Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you…That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.” Isaiah 43:2-3 (Mes)

3. Jesus gives you a new perspective.   

“He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’ They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, ‘Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?’ ‘What things?’ he asked. ‘About Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 

In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.’ He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” Luke 24:17-27    

4. Jesus gives you passion for living.  

   Three spiritual temperatures:  

• Icy cold. 

“Because of people breaking the laws and sin being everywhere, the love in the hearts of many people will become cold.” Matthew 24:12 (NLV)

• Miserably Lukewarm. 

“You are neither cold nor hot. How I would rather you be one or the other, so because you are neither cold nor hot but lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16  

• Piping Hot. 

“…Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32   

God Waits To Be Invited In Your Life  

“As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them.” Luke 24:28-29  

“Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear my voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with me.” Revelation 3:20 (TPT)