Dear Easter People,
ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!
This is the Easter acclimation! Easter is not just a single day. It is in fact a season. But it’s really more, it lasts to eternity. When the eggs are gone, the bunnies consumed, the baskets put away, and the photos have been posted – remember – “CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!”
Jesus claimed to be “the Son of God.” He taught from the Holy Scriptures. He performed miracles. He raised people from the dead. But many had made similar claims and performed similar deeds. Prophets and rabbis taught from the Holy Scriptures. The Old Testament tells of mighty men of God performing miracles. Jesus’ disciples even raised people from the dead (Acts 9:40-41). However, none of these were God. But Jesus is who He claims – God!
Jesus died on the cross. He was dead! A guard drove a spear into His body – the blood and water that had settled in His chest poured out. He was buried in a sealed tomb for three days. “Three days” is significant. Many believed bodies weren’t “dead” until they showed no life for three days. Jesus was in fact truly dead! Yet, on the third day, Jesus appeared to His disciples alive.
Jesus’ resurrection proves He is who He says He is – God. As God, His word and promise are true for all mankind. He says He forgives our sins – they are forgiven – no matter how bad we think they are! He says He will raise us to eternal life – we will be raised to eternal life. As Easter people, we “confess with (our) mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in (our) heart that God raised Him from the dead and (are) saved.” (Romans 10:9) One day, we will be raised to new life. We will join all who believe in Jesus and His promises in His eternal kingdom. Why? Because CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! We celebrate and shout this fact not just today, but every day! Amen!
In the Love of our Risen Savior,
Pastor Jim