Finding Hope in Mourning: Embracing the Resurrected Life
Summary
In times of loss and mourning, our response is crucial. It can either lead us to the comfort found at the feet of Jesus or to a place of unbelief. This tension between the present and what is to come is a constant in our spiritual journey. We recently celebrated a baptism, a moment where heaven and earth meet, reminding us of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This journey is about growing in our understanding and likeness of Jesus, realizing that we are living the resurrected life now, not just recounting a story from the past.
The story of Larry Voight, who, despite being in the hospital, was moved by the Holy Spirit to be baptized again, exemplifies the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. This leads us to reflect on the completeness of Christ's work—His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension—and how we are co-crucified, co-buried, co-resurrected, and co-ascended with Him. This understanding transforms our perspective and how we live our lives.
In Mark 16, we see the disciples grappling with unbelief even after Jesus' resurrection. Their mourning and grief clouded their understanding, a situation we can relate to when faced with disappointment and loss. Yet, Jesus' rebuke of their unbelief was a call to remember His promises and the truth of His resurrection. Mourning can lead us to comfort or unbelief, and it's vital to stay connected to the heart of Jesus, even in disappointment.
Isaiah 61 speaks of a divine exchange—beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for despair. This is our mission: to bring freedom and restoration, to rebuild and renew. Jesus calls us to go into the world, preach the good news, and perform miraculous signs. Despite our struggles, we are co-partners with God in bringing His kingdom to earth.
In every situation, whether success or loss, Jesus is present. The power of His name brings healing, salvation, and restoration. We are called to declare His name over every circumstance, trusting in His promises and the resurrected life He offers. This morning, let us plead the name of Jesus over our lives, releasing any hurt or disappointment, and embrace the divine exchange He offers.
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Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Mourning: Mourning can lead us to the comfort of Jesus or to unbelief. It's essential to process grief with the Holy Spirit, allowing it to draw us closer to God rather than away from Him. Mourning is not just about loss but about finding hope and comfort in Christ. [04:24]
2. Living the Resurrected Life: We are called to live the resurrected life now, not just recount a past event. This means embracing the fullness of Christ's work—His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension—and understanding our identity in Him. This perspective changes how we live and interact with the world. [10:16]
3. The Divine Exchange: Isaiah 61 speaks of a divine exchange—beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for despair. This is our mission: to bring freedom and restoration, to rebuild and renew. We are called to be agents of this exchange, bringing hope and healing to a broken world. [18:53]
4. The Challenge of Unbelief: Even the disciples struggled with unbelief after Jesus' resurrection. This reminds us that faith is a journey, and we must continually choose to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary. Jesus' rebuke of unbelief is a call to remember His faithfulness. [27:23]
5. The Power of Jesus' Name: In every situation, whether success or loss, Jesus is present. The power of His name brings healing, salvation, and restoration. We are called to declare His name over every circumstance, trusting in His promises and the resurrected life He offers. [39:38]
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Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:24] - The Importance of Mourning
- [10:16] - Living the Resurrected Life
- [18:53] - The Divine Exchange
- [24:59] - Mourning and Unbelief
- [27:23] - Recognizing Jesus in Unexpected Ways
- [30:09] - Jesus' Rebuke and Our Unbelief
- [39:38] - The Power of Community and Healing
- [49:08] - Declaring the Name of Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Mark 16:1-20
2. Isaiah 61:1-4
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Observation Questions:
1. In Mark 16, what was the initial reaction of the women who visited Jesus' tomb, and how did the angel address their concerns? [10:16]
2. How did the disciples respond to Mary Magdalene's news about Jesus' resurrection, and what does this reveal about their state of mind? [18:53]
3. According to Isaiah 61, what are some of the divine exchanges mentioned, and who are the recipients of these promises? [24:59]
4. What was Jesus' response to the disciples' unbelief when He appeared to them after His resurrection? [30:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might the disciples have struggled with unbelief even after witnessing Jesus' miracles and hearing His teachings? How does this reflect our own struggles with faith? [18:53]
2. In what ways does the concept of being co-crucified, co-buried, co-resurrected, and co-ascended with Christ change a believer's understanding of their identity in Christ? [04:24]
3. How does the divine exchange described in Isaiah 61 relate to the mission of believers today? What does it mean to bring beauty for ashes and joy for mourning in practical terms? [24:59]
4. How can the power of Jesus' name be applied in everyday situations, according to the sermon? What are some examples given? [39:38]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time of mourning or loss in your life. Did it lead you closer to Jesus or to a place of unbelief? How can you ensure that future experiences draw you nearer to God? [04:24]
2. The sermon emphasizes living the resurrected life now. What are some practical steps you can take to embrace this perspective in your daily life? [10:16]
3. Consider the divine exchange in Isaiah 61. Identify an area in your life where you need to experience beauty for ashes or joy for mourning. How can you actively seek this transformation? [24:59]
4. Jesus rebuked the disciples for their unbelief. Are there areas in your life where unbelief is holding you back? What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in God's promises? [30:09]
5. The sermon highlights the power of Jesus' name in bringing healing and restoration. Is there a specific situation in your life where you need to declare His name? How will you do this in the coming week? [39:38]
6. How can you be an agent of freedom and restoration in your community, as described in Isaiah 61? Identify one specific action you can take this week to bring hope to someone in need. [24:59]
7. Reflect on the story of Larry Voight and his decision to be baptized again. Is there a step of faith or obedience that you feel prompted to take? What is holding you back, and how can you overcome it? [04:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Mourning as a Pathway to Comfort
In times of mourning, we face a choice: to seek comfort in Jesus or to fall into unbelief. Mourning is not merely about experiencing loss; it is an opportunity to find hope and solace in Christ. When we process grief with the Holy Spirit, it draws us closer to God, allowing us to experience His comfort and peace. This journey through mourning can transform our pain into a deeper understanding of God's love and presence in our lives. [04:24]
Isaiah 57:18-19 (ESV): "I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near, says the Lord, and I will heal him."
Reflection: Think of a recent loss or disappointment you have experienced. How can you invite the Holy Spirit into your mourning process to find comfort and hope in Jesus today?
Day 2: Embracing the Resurrected Life
Living the resurrected life means embracing the fullness of Christ's work—His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension—and understanding our identity in Him. This perspective transforms how we live and interact with the world, as we realize that we are co-crucified, co-buried, co-resurrected, and co-ascended with Christ. By living in this reality, we are not just recounting a past event but actively participating in the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [10:16]
Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively live out the resurrected life today, focusing on your identity in Christ rather than the circumstances around you?
Day 3: Agents of the Divine Exchange
Isaiah 61 speaks of a divine exchange—beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for despair. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of this exchange, bringing freedom, restoration, and renewal to a broken world. Our mission is to embody the hope and healing that Jesus offers, rebuilding and renewing the lives of those around us. By participating in this divine exchange, we become co-partners with God in bringing His kingdom to earth. [18:53]
Isaiah 61:3-4 (ESV): "To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations."
Reflection: Identify one person or situation in your life where you can be an agent of God's divine exchange. How can you bring beauty, joy, or praise into that context today?
Day 4: Overcoming the Challenge of Unbelief
Even the disciples struggled with unbelief after Jesus' resurrection, reminding us that faith is a journey. We must continually choose to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary. Jesus' rebuke of unbelief is a call to remember His faithfulness and to hold onto His promises, despite our doubts and fears. By confronting our unbelief, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with God and a stronger faith. [27:23]
Mark 9:24 (ESV): "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with unbelief? How can you invite Jesus to help you overcome this unbelief and strengthen your faith today?
Day 5: Declaring the Power of Jesus' Name
In every situation, whether success or loss, Jesus is present. The power of His name brings healing, salvation, and restoration. We are called to declare His name over every circumstance, trusting in His promises and the resurrected life He offers. By pleading the name of Jesus over our lives, we release any hurt or disappointment and embrace the divine exchange He offers. [39:38]
Acts 4:12 (ESV): "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you declare the power of Jesus' name over this situation and trust in His promises for healing and restoration today?
Quotes
What we do in loss and in mourning is vitally important. My mourning will either lead me to a place of true comfort and to the feet of Jesus, or it leads me to a place of unbelief. Well, last week you guys had a little party, I heard. A little baptism party. I think it's one of those things where heaven and earth meet, and there's a celebration in heaven, a celebration here. And it's always so interesting because people hear the gospel message. [00:00:14] (33 seconds)
And it's interesting because some are hearing it and responding for the first time, and then we have these moments where someone has been living life, they've met Jesus, they've come to an understanding, they've given their life, they've done all this stuff. And then how many of you know, like, the Holy Spirit continues to teach us and grow us and our understanding into the image and likeness of Jesus. And how many of you know, like, along the way, we have these points where it's like, I thought I knew him, but now I know him even more. [00:00:41] (30 seconds)
Larry's been walking with the Lord for a long time. It's been an honor, really, to watch his journey, watch the Lord heal him. Like, it's been so incredible to see what God's done in his family. And he's watching from the hospital in rehab, right? And he is so moved by the Holy Spirit that he wants to be here. And there's something that gripped his heart, and he wanted to be baptized again. [00:02:14] (26 seconds)
Listen I I don't always follow the the calendar so to speak and and I find it that Easter is one of those challenges because what part of the story do you tell when when it's all woven together like where does it stop and start and begin and all that right so it's all linked together together and really we are living the resurrected life presently so it is current and present it's not just a story we tell of something that happened long ago but something struck me this week a little bit and kind of this question you know where where do you get stuck in this story [00:04:19] (41 seconds)
And so, he gives us the Holy Spirit to walk with us and to teach us about who we are. Teach us our identity in Christ. And so, again, it'd be easy for us to get stuck in any of those places to not relate to the burial, right? Or the resurrection. It's not enough just to live at the foot of the cross. Like, he wants us to live actually the resurrected life, the newness of life, right? The new covenant. All the things. But he doesn't even want us to stop there. He wants us to live the ascended life. Like, he ascends into heaven. And Paul says that we are currently, presently seated with Christ in heavenly places. [00:08:02] (43 seconds)
And on the way they were asking each other who will who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb but as they arrived they look up and saw the stone which was very large it was huge had already been rolled aside Jesus helped me I don't know I don't know what's happening it's the joy of the Lord I don't know all right when they entered the tomb they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side the women were shocked but the angel said don't be alarmed isn't that funny like people are always shocked and they're always like don't be afraid don't be alarmed you have right you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified he isn't here he has risen from the dead look this is where they laid his body now go and tell the disciples including Peter that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee you will see him there just as he told you before he died the women fled from the tomb trembling and bewildered and said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened [00:10:48] (74 seconds)
You know it's interesting because you know we always do this whole like Sunday's coming you know right maybe some of you guys posted that like you know Friday but now it's Saturday and now Sunday's coming you do you realize like this portion that I'm reading to you Sunday had come it was Sunday I think there's something in our mind like sometimes it's like you know Sunday's coming and Sunday's here and now everything's good and just woohoo right celebration he's risen it had happened and yet we're reading in this account and I noticed this part here that he's risen and yet the disciples the the ones that had walked with him for three and a half years I mean you think about of of anyone that Jesus had ministered to in that whole time think about all the miracles he had done the things that he had talked about and then with this group of people these were the ones that he had selected these were the ones that knew him the most he had talked to them in secret he had demonstrated to them deeper levels of understanding and he had told them specifically everything that was going to happen and these jokers seriously after all that they don't believe it's crazy [00:12:07] (82 seconds)
But I noticed something here is that they're grieving weeping I want you to think about this it's possible that they had not fully comprehended what Jesus was saying matter of fact I guarantee they really hadn't they thought they had in moments does that sound familiar we we do the same thing there are moments when we feel like we've we've grasped something that we understand something that we've comprehended something that we've applied something and yet he is constantly revealing himself deeper and more like there's there's no end to that as we come to fuller understanding later on so think about this they've walked with him he has called them out by name he has walked with them he's demonstrated himself [00:14:02] (47 seconds)
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