By Jim Churchwell
Pastor
New Life Fellowship
Around the world, many have just celebrated Easter. Easter Sunday should be called “Resurrection Sunday,” for this is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
Luke’s account has two men in white asking the women at the tomb, “Why are you seeking the living among the dead?” They reminded them of the words of Jesus, who said, “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”
The New Testament focuses clearly on this fact: He was dead, but now He is alive!
His disciples were amazed by this extraordinary event. They, who had been his most faithful followers, were also the most skeptical. One even said that he would not believe Jesus to be alive until he saw and touched his hands and side. This was a tough crowd to convince. But, their reluctance adds to the credibility of his resurrection.
Paul, his most ardent opponent, would later write in 1 Corinthians 15, a record of his appearances following his resurrection. There were many eye witnesses that saw Jesus alive. Others would also believe through the testimony of these eye witnesses and the Holy Spirit.
His resurrection is the key note of the gospel messages. His followers preached, Jesus crucified, dead, but resurrected to life for every more. Peter said, “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.”
His Church continually celebrates this truth: He is alive! He is the resurrection and the life. He, who once was dead, is alive forevermore. Here is the difference between all other world systems, philosophies and religions: an empty tomb. A risen Savior and Lord.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:24). That which was crucified and buried is now raised up. That which came in the flesh and died has been changed into the body eternal. That which was crucified and died, is clearly known by his followers in the resurrected state.
This message of death and life is the message that is needed in our world today. Many are held in the bondage of a “living death.” They feel powerless to change their lives or their circumstances. Some difficulty has sucked the life from their hearts and souls. They go through the motions, but there is no real life. Too many have given up. They are filled with a sense of hopelessness. They are paralyzed with the weight of depression.
It doesn’t have to be this way. There is power available. There is hope for many. This same power that raised up our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is available to all who would open their hearts to Him. He was victorious over sin and death. He offers us hope and help.
Beloved, open your heart to this message. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26). The dead, who believed, are alive in Him. We, who live and believe, have this life He gives. Now!
My friends, every day, we can celebrate this truth: He is Alive. He lives in us! Go! Draw from our heavenly Father’s account. Receive all that Jesus has accomplished on the cross by his death and resurrection.
Celebrate! You have a living Savior and Lord. Rejoice in this truth. Let every day be a celebration of the resurrection of your Savior and Lord. We have this life in Him. Amen.
