He is not here; He has Risen!
At the tomb of Jesus, the angel said, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ Now I have told you”. So, the women turned away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly, Jesus met them. “Greetings,” He said. They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshiped Him.”
Jesus’ Resurrection transforms existence. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead after three days. He was seen alive by over 500 people at one time. The most credible and thorough historian of Jesus time (Josephus, a non-Christian) wrote in his annals that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
The wonder of it isn’t only the event. The wonder of it is that all existence is transformed by His Resurrection! It speaks to us that every word of His is true. It promises those who believe in Him that they will be raised to eternal life.
Because He lives, we live, too. Because He lives, the Spirit that raised Him from the dead lives in us and gives us power to live to His glory. Because He lives, the fear of death and dying is broken and we die in peace and confidence.
He lives to answer our prayers and give us grace for our needs and weaknesses. He intercedes for us to the Father when we acknowledge our sin. He lives in our very own heart! All of these promises are ours through faith in Him. “If you declare with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Ro. 10:9). Happy Resurrection!
Pastor Greg Brownell
United Brethren Church
Dayton