A different Hope and Victory
He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. (Matthew 28:6)
In three days Jesus’ followers went from heartbroken sadness to triumphant jubilation. The cross had screamed, “The End” making them feel hopeless and helpless. But the resurrection shouted, “The Beginning” bringing confidence and courage. The cloud of doubt and despair that had shrouded them melted away and was replaced with unshakeable faith.
Can you imagine how they felt when they realised Jesus had risen from the dead? Suddenly hope came alive; everything He had said was validated as truth. They had not believed a lie. His victory over death was a reality that proved Jesus was the Messiah.
We remember Jesus’ death on the cross with solemnity, but the resurrection calls for thunderous applause, praise, and song:
“Christ the Lord is risen today, Sons of men and angels say. Raise your joys and triumphs high; Sing ye heavens, and earth reply.” Charles Wesley
All the blessings that come our way through the Saviour’s cross are confirmed by the resurrection. It proved that the Father was satisfied with the Son’s payment for our sins. Now we can know that our transgressions are forgiven and we’re eternally secure.
What’s more, Jesus promises that we, too, will be resurrected and given new bodies. Physical death could not hold Him, nor will it overpower us. Because Jesus overcame the grave, His followers have the same kind of life He has — eternal and indestructible. As Christians, we have the right to celebrate Easter with great rejoicing. Because of this event, our lives have been forever changed. We’ve been transformed and given new life. With faith, we trust the Bible because Christ’s power over the grave proves He can and will fulfil every word.
