Easter Sunday - There Is HOPE, Jesus Has Risen!

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered his words.”                                                                                                                                                                Luke 24:1-8
 
          The women had gone to the tomb of Jesus bringing spices as a sign of love and respect, just as you and I would bring flowers to the grave side of a loved one. However, to their surprise, they were greeted with a “stone rolled away,” an “empty tomb,” and the body of Jesus was nowhere to found. To say the least they were deeply grieved, saddened, and most likely feeling as if their hopes had been ultimately dashed. Suddenly, “two men in clothes that gleamed like lightening stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Next came the very cornerstone message of Christianity and the Resurrection: “He is not here; He has Risen! The angels said, “Remember how He (Jesus) told you, while He was with you in Galilee:’ Then they remembered his words.” The women then rushed from the tomb with excitement to tell the remaining disciples and the others with them of the amazing things they had just witnessed, for their Lord and Savior, Jesus, had done just as He had promised. Jesus had risen from the grave, victorious over death and sin for them, for you, for me, and for all of humanity in demonstration of God’s love. “For God so loved the world that He sent His one and only son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Why is the “Resurrection” so important to Christianity and our Faith?
         The Resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the central cornerstone of Christian history and of the Christian Church. Upon the Resurrection of Jesus rests the foundation upon which the church was built. Without it there would be no church, no hope of salvation, and no promise of eternity in Heaven with God. What a hope we have on this very special day of Easter, and for everyday because of what Christ did for us at the Cross. Hallelujah, thank you Jesus, for The Cross!             
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        “He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) Our greatest hope as we journey through this life is Christ Jesus who was wounded, scarred, and suffered for us. The things of this life that may scar us this side of eternity can be used to help us identify more deeply with our Savior. He knows our hurts and deepest pains; But there is a purpose for those scars He allows to remain.  

            Song Lyrics: “Scars” by - I Am They            

            Waking up to a new sunrise, Looking back from the other side
            I can see now with open eyes, Darkest water and deepest pain
            I wouldn’t trade it for anything, Because my brokenness brought me to You
            And these wounds are a story You’ll use, So I’m thankful for the scars
            Because without them, I wouldn’t know Your heart
            And I know they’ll always tell of who You are, So forever I’m thankful for the scars
            With the strength of Your faithfulness, I’m not who I was before
            No, I don’t have to fear anymore.
            I can see! I can see! How You delivered me,
            In Your hands, In Your feet, I found the VICTORY…
            So, I’m thankful for Your scars, Because without them I wouldn’t know Your heart
            And with my life, I’ll tell of who You are, So I’m thankful for Your scars…
 

Listen to the full song "Scars" below: