The Power and Blessings of Jesus’ Resurrection from the Dead
You’ve heard it said: “Death is the end”. People say that “death is final” and that “there’s no hope beyond the grave”. We sympathize with those who say those comments. Death is so fearful to many people because it abruptly ends everything for the people who experience it.
I will also feel some hopelessness or despair.....if Jesus Christ did not rise from among the dead. But the awesome and wonderful news is that Jesus defeated death. Jesus died, but he rose from among the dead. He conquered death and everything that is against life and what is good. The great enemy, death, bowed before the feet of Jesus Christ.
The rising from the dead of Jesus Christ means all the world to the Christ-follower. It is the foundation of all his/her hopes for the future. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, there is no forgiveness of sins and right standing with God through faith in Jesus Christ. If Jesus was not victorious over death, you and I who follow God have no basis for any confidence that the future will be good because evil has not yet been defeated. BUT THE WONDERFUL NEWS IS THAT JESUS IS ALIVE, RULES IN HEAVEN OVER CREATION, AND OFFERS FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND THE BLESSINGS OF SALVATION TO EVERY HUMAN BEING.
If Jesus defeated death, how could he not defeat sickness or financial lack or emotional hurts? If Jesus conquered the grave, how can he not conquer our small problems and enemies? The truth is: Jesus defeated sin, evil, and everything that is against what God wants for his people and creation. Jesus won over trials and limitations. And he gives his help to those who trust and obey him.
Today, hundreds of millions of people throughout the whole world celebrate Jesus’ rising from the dead. It’s called Easter Sunday or Resurrection Day! Let’s join in this joyful occasion and celebrate our great hope because of Jesus. HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY! And remember: The dead can live again- not just physically or spiritually, but in other areas of life. God’s resurrection power is at work in your life. There’s hope for anything that is dead- dead relationships, dead finances, dead life groups, dead hopes, etc. Because Jesus Christ rose from among the dead, you have a real, living hope. It’s not yet the end. Your failure is not yet final. There’s still hope, much hope for you!