Risen 2

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

And so we will be with the Lord forever.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Usually not one to enjoy Biblical movies with Jesus portrayed in them, I was skeptical about the latest one which had come out. In my opinion, they never seemed to choose someone rugged enough who looked like he hung out with fishermen and walked everywhere to play Jesus.

A friend of mine talked me into going and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The historical aspect seemed to line up with what I had pictured in my mind about Biblical times. The plot was less about the actual person of Jesus and more about the thought processes of a Roman tribune trying to decide if Jesus really arose or if the Jews had stolen his body.

I loved participating as a spectator in the main character’s mind as he grappled with what he believed about Jesus and the resurrection. A question all mankind has to deal with sooner or later.

Afterwards as we filed out of the theater, a teenage employee held the door open and exchanged pleasantries. As we passed through he said something about coming back next time for RISEN 2. I laughingly asked him how they could pull that off since Jesus had already risen.

Upon later reflection I thought about how Jesus HAD already died for our sins, and He HAD already risen, but actually there could be a RISEN 2 because one day He WILL return for those who believe in Him. At that time believers “rise” with Him.

So, in RISEN 2 I will get to participate instead of just watch the movie. How great will that be!

Jesus, thank you for the promise of eternal life with You forever.

Susan P.