Daily Devotional: Witnessing the Risen Christ

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1–8

‘…and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.’ (Vv 5–6)

Paul records the testimony of many witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection within 25 years of the events themselves. In what was mainly an oral culture, trust conveyed by word of mouth and stories treasured and carefully passed on, this can be regarded as reliable historical data. What amounts to a mass sighting gives us confidence in the reality of Christ’s resurrection centuries later, and most of us have no experience of seeing a physical resurrection. This matters since we are not alone in confessing the risen Christ. Since these first recorded encounters, millions of Christians have lived and died convinced they serve and are saved by Jesus of Nazareth, now risen and ascended.

This means we can confidently speak of our faith in Jesus. These sightings of the risen Christ are continued in us. We may not meet Jesus physically but our faith is sustained by our experiences of seeing Jesus at work within our lives. Such encounters give us our testimony to the presence of God in our daily experience. Such testimonies are not usually dramatic, but offer reassurance that God loves us and guides us through life. They are stories of God’s presence in the good times and also when we struggle with life events and how God is with us, even though we can struggle to locate him then. In every aspect of life God wants to make himself known. We are to seek to grasp where God is in each life experience and this tests all of us.

Today Consider where you see the risen Christ at work in your life today? Where have you lost  sight of him and why is that?

So our Action today. Take encouragement from those first witnesses who saw Jesus physically and then the millions of witnesses throughout history. Seek to stand alongside them and let their faith in Christ strengthen you as you seek Jesus in your circumstances.

Prayer: ‘Lord, May I keep my eyes directed towards you even when I feel lost in a thick fog. Amen’

You can join the conversation, share your insights, or seek guidance on today’s devotional. Your questions and comments are a valuable part of our spiritual journey together. Please feel free to reach out at drmichajazz@outlook.com with your reflections or inquiries.

Rev Dr Micha Jazz PhD
Delmunach Christian Centre – Moray, Scotland
Grounded in Love, Rooted in Faith.
07526 188371
drmichajazz@outlook.com