"Easter Night"

That first Easter night,

Behind doors with fright,

His disciples were hopeless and scared.

But then suddenly,

His presence, you see,

Showed them how much Jesus cared.

To calm them, give peace,

And the greatest release,

They ever had felt all their days,

He breathed out the Spirit,

From Him they could hear it,

Filling their hearts with His praise.

And so they were sent,

And wherever they went,

His presence would go with them, too,

The Good News in skin,

The whole world to win,

And living always for what’s true.

“So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (John 20:21-22, NAS)

On Easter night Jesus appeared to His disciples. His presence drove out their fears and replaced them with peace. Sending them out as the Father had sent Him depended upon the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Later they would be baptized with the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. But this first experience with the Holy Spirit must have been life-changing for them. There is no doubt this experience transformed them into powerful witnesses for the risen Lord.
Lord, we ask You to send us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.