Redeemed by the Resurrection

As I worship alongside the sun rising this morning, I can’t help but be overcome by the gravity that a man would choose to die for me. In love. In sacrifice. In obedience to His Father’s will.

‘And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.’

Matthew 28:2-8

The sermon this morning fleshed out that in these verses, the two women that went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’s body with oil departed with fear AND great joy, where the guards in the same situation trembled and became like dead men. That is the mark of Christianity friends. That when the tidal wave of fear and anxiety and doubt is roaring in our faces, we can have joy alongside the fear in knowing that Jesus is in the wave with us.  I don’t know what it is that you are afraid of, anxious about, or doubting in right now, but I do know that Jesus died and rose not to take them away, but to walk with us every step. This can turn our fear to hope, anxiety to peace, and doubt to faith.

And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.“

And even when hoping in an eternity you can’t see with your eyes feels impossible, guess what this verse says? JESUS MEETS US. Smack dab in the middle of all the chaotic mess that we live in. Simply because He loves us. And friends, that unfathomable grace is one I can promise you will never come up short. 

Jesus took us out of the wave, was alone, and crushed so that we don’t have to be. He defeated death and this victory is an assurance the world will never be able to provide. This is what people mean when they say Christ is risen today. So I challenge you on this Easter to not let it be just another day of pastel dresses and candy, but one characterized by the raw resurrection power that transforms the innermost parts of our hearts. 

It is truly a Happy Easter because our Savior lives.