Run for Jesus!
April 20, 2025, Easter Sunday. I woke up at 4:30 AM and, after freshening up, sat in prayer, seeking the Lord's wisdom to preach about His resurrection. God graciously placed this beautiful message on my heart, and I am grateful.
“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said!” - Matthew
28:6
Let’s reflect on these powerful words.
"Rise" (verb): to move upward, to become higher,
stronger, or to increase.
"Resurrection" (verb-like noun): refers to an
action - physical, mental, or a state of being brought to life.
Jesus died and rose again - He came back to life stronger
and more powerful. The dead body of Christ was quickened by the Spirit and came
back to life.
We serve a living God - full of energy, strength, power, and
action. That’s why, after the four Gospels, we have the Book of Acts - a book
filled with action.
We preach the Gospel of a living God. Speaking about Him is
a blessing and a privilege.
Today’s Theme: “Run for Jesus”
When we encounter Jesus, we are never the same. He quickens
us, fills us with His power, and calls us into motion.
True encounters with Jesus set people in motion - running to
seek, to witness, to believe, to share, and even to return.
1. Run to Tell the Resurrection Story
Matthew 28:8–9 “So the women hurried away from the tomb,
afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples.”
They ran to proclaim resurrection!
Think of this: Eve once gave Adam the forbidden fruit,
bringing death. But here, women bring the eternal fruit - Jesus’ resurrection
news - to the disciples (the ‘Adams’). The very gender first deceived was now
the first to proclaim redemption.
Your past may be messy, but Jesus can make you, His
messenger. These women didn’t make excuses, they ran, empowered by God.
You know Christ now - it’s your turn to run and tell the
resurrection story.
Luke 2:15–16 The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem after the
angelic message.
They ran to see the Chief Shepherd - Jesus. Don’t hesitate
when God reveals something.
Run to Jesus in faith.
Luke 19:4–6 Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed a tree to see
Jesus.
Jesus saw his effort, called him by name, and visited his
home.
Run with hunger to see Jesus - He notices and responds.
John 4:28–29 The Samaritan woman left her water jar and ran
to town, saying, “Come, see a man…”
When Jesus transforms your life, don’t keep it to yourself. Don’t
be selfish - share the good news. The world needs it now more than ever.
5. Run to Testify
Luke 24:33–35 - The Emmaus disciples recognized Jesus and
immediately returned to Jerusalem.
When your heart burns with truth, don’t walk - run to
testify: “It is true! The Lord has risen!”
Luke 22:61–62 → Peter denies Jesus
John 21:7 → Peter runs back to Jesus
Peter denied Jesus and wept bitterly. But when the
resurrected Jesus appeared, Peter jumped into the water - he ran (swam!) toward
Him.
Maybe you’ve failed or walked away. You are not
disqualified. Run back to grace - Jesus is waiting.
He restored Peter - and His resurrection power can restore
you too.
Peter ran away but returned. Judas Iscariot ran away - and
never came back. The young rich man (Luke 18:18–30) walked away from Jesus,
choosing wealth over Christ.
7. Run to Finish the Race
2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished
the race, I have kept the faith.” - Paul
Paul’s entire life after meeting Jesus was a race of faith,
a run of purpose. He was shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned - but he never
stopped. He ran for Jesus until his very last breath.
He didn’t just start strong - he finished well.
You may have just started your journey, or you may feel
weary halfway through. But this Easter, let Paul’s example inspire you:
Don’t quit. Don’t slow down. Run to finish strong - for
Jesus is waiting at the finish line.
In history, many have run for Jesus - Martin Luther, Billy Graham, missionaries, and martyrs.
Some ran to Jesus.
Some ran from Him.
But the empty tomb calls all of us to run with Him - into a
life of new purpose, freedom, and joy.
Are you running in the right direction?
This Easter don’t just believe in the resurrection - run
because of it.
Run in faith.
Run in mission.
Run for Jesus - until the very end.
Happy Easter!
After reflecting on the Good Friday message and the significance of Christ's sacrifice, your Resurrection sermon was truly inspiring. The 7 actions to 'run for the Lord' resonated deeply. I'm motivated to embrace this resurrected life, letting it transform my body, soul, and spirit. I'm eager to proclaim the Gospel, hold onto my faith, witness miracles, testify to His glory, and finish my journey in His grace. Thank you, Brother Steephan John, for a Spirit-filled sermon. May God continue to bless you abundantly.
ReplyDeleteI’m very Glad that a new blog after a long time shown up. I’m eagerly waiting for these kind of messages and this Ressurection message is amazing and very anointed. Just by reading it I can experience newness in the word and I decided to Run with him in the race that is before me.
ReplyDelete