by Pastor Jeffrey Smith

 

“Death swallowed by triumphant Life! Who got the last word, oh, Death? Oh, Death, who’s afraid of you now? It was sin that made death so frightening and law-code guilt that gave sin its leverage, its destructive power. But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!” 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 MSG

 

Today is Easter Sunday! Around the world, Christians celebrate the triumphant resurrection of Jesus. Today is a day of victory. Today is a day of hope. Today is a day of second chances. It’s my prayer that on this Resurrection Sunday, you experience a fresh revelation of our Savior.

 

Most people contemplate the cross at Easter, but that is only part of our celebration. Yes, Jesus died for us, but He also rose again. In conquering the grave, Jesus has defeated death once and for all. Jesus’ resurrection means there is no grave that can swallow the everlasting life found in Christ. When I think of all the great men and women of God whose lives have ended on this earth, I am filled with great hope knowing that no story is over in Christ. All of us have a promise of resurrection in Jesus and that is why we celebrate so boldly today.

 

In your own life, there can be so many things that seem to be filled with doom. Sickness, pain, loss, and despair all point toward the grave. We lose hope when we think that our story is over and that sin, guilt, and death have dominated us. Paul exclaims in Romans however, that all these things are gone in Jesus. Easter is the symbol of that single victorious stroke of Life that has given each one of us unbreakable hope.

 

Today, it’s my prayer that you don’t just celebrate Easter out of routine. Don’t let this just be a day about dressing up, seeing family, and hunting for eggs. While all those things are nice, I urge you to focus on the triumph of Jesus. It doesn’t matter how hopeless your situation seems, Jesus is alive. It doesn’t matter how trapped you feel, Jesus is alive. It doesn’t matter how dark your path is, Jesus is alive. He has defeated death and there ain’t no grave that can hold your body down.