Life Beyond the Cross: The Power of Suddenly
The Power of Suddenly: Living Life Beyond the Cross
This Sunday at Myrtle House Community Church, Martin O’Brien took us deeper into Luke 24 with a message that stirred our faith and reignited our expectancy. He called it “The Power of Suddenly”—a look at how, after the cross, God still breaks into our lives in powerful, unexpected moments.
Luke 24 captures four "suddenly" moments, and each one shows us what it means to live life beyond the cross—not just remembering the resurrection, but walking in its power today.
1. Suddenly, Heaven Breaks In (Luke 24:4)
“Suddenly, two men appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.”
As the women stood by the empty tomb, confused and unsure, suddenly angels appeared. Heaven broke into their ordinary, grief-filled morning with a message: Jesus is alive!
In your moments of confusion or sorrow, expect heaven to break in.
God still speaks. Heaven still moves. The resurrection isn’t just history—it’s hope, and it’s here.
2. Suddenly, Jesus Walks With Us (Luke 24:15)
“Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them.”
As Cleopas and (most likely) his wife Mary walked to Emmaus, hearts heavy with disappointment, Jesus came alongside them—unrecognised at first, but present nonetheless.
Have you ever been in that place—walking away from hope, feeling alone, not realising Jesus was with you the whole time?
In your disappointment, Jesus walks with you. Even when you don’t see Him, He is there. He listens. He speaks. He draws near.
3. Suddenly, Their Eyes Were Opened (Luke 24:31)
“Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.”
As Jesus broke bread, the couple finally recognised Him. One moment changed everything.
In a single, Spirit-filled moment, Jesus revealed Himself—and their eyes were opened. That’s the power of suddenly.
You may not see the full picture today. But don’t give up. In one encounter, in one worship moment, in one whispered prayer—Jesus can open your eyes and transform your heart.
4. Suddenly, Jesus Stands Among Us (Luke 24:36)
“Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them. ‘Peace be with you,’ he said.”
To fearful, anxious disciples hiding behind locked doors, Jesus appeared and brought peace.
You may be afraid, unsure, overwhelmed—but suddenly, Jesus comes into the middle of your chaos and speaks peace.
When He comes, fear doesn’t have the final word—He does.
Living in the Power of Suddenly
Life beyond the cross is not passive. It is expectant. It is alive. It is full of suddenlys—moments when heaven breaks in, when Jesus draws near, when eyes are opened, and peace is restored.
So what do we do?
Walk in faith, not just by sight.
Invite Jesus into your journey—even when it doesn’t make sense.
Open Scripture, open your eyes, open your heart.
Be ready for the moments that change everything.
“Life beyond the cross is full of suddenlys, full of revelation, full of His presence, and full of His peace.” – Martin O’Brien
May we be a people who live with hearts wide open to the sudden, transformative presence of Jesus.
Let’s live expectantly.
Let’s live aware.
Let’s live beyond the cross, in the power of suddenly.
