On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 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 puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them. As the women bowed their faces to the ground in terror, the two men asked 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 in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again (Luke 24: 1-7)
The message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is a message that brings us hope. Jesus, through his death paid the ultimate price for the sin of man. He bridged the gap between mankind and God. Embedded in the story of the cross is the message of reconciliation.
All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5: 18 & 19)
In the events that led up to the death of Jesus, we see the fallen nature of man displayed. Lies, treachery, betrayal, greed, lust for wealth and power, hatred, anger, fear, blasphemy, murder. The devil seized the hearts of men, and the depth of man’s depravity was laid bare. Wicked men by their own hands nailed the Lord to the cross. As the sinless blood of Jesus touched the earth, the earth convulsed and quaked, and darkness covered the earth. Men trembled and proclaimed, “Truly this was the son of God!”
The awareness of sin can make us want to run away and hide from a holy God. We say, “Surely the Lord will not want me now.” But wait a minute. Jesus prayed for us “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Through the finished work of the cross, we now have access to God the Father. Literally, the veil in the temple was torn in two! In tearing the veil, He opened the door. Now you have access to the Father. If only you will believe in Jesus Christ and put your faith in the finished work of Calvary.
When Jesus rose up from the grave, there was a power shift; He disarmed the enemy and made a public show of principalities and powers. He freed those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death (Hebrews 2:15). Alleluia! For believers in Christ, the sting of death is taken away. The grave could not hold Jesus down, neither can it hold us. Death is only a passage to glory, if we believe!
Not only does God call us to be reconciled to Him, we must also spread the message of reconciliation.“That in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation”
Jesus begged the Father not to charge the sins of the people against them. After His resurrection, He came back to restore His disciples. Would you do the same? Are you ready to set any prisoners free this Easter Sunday? Who is it that has offended you, paid you evil for good? Borrow a leaf from Jesus. Pray for your enemies, bless those who despitefully use you.The message of His Love is too good to keep to yourself! Spread some love. Share the good news!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
Happy Resurrection Sunday!
Happy Resurrection Sunday!
