Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalenewent to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved,and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.
Happy Easter!
Jesus is alive! This amazing truth must be shouted from every rooftop! Jesus didn’t just rise and leave his burial place. He walked among his disciples and others so people could see for themselves that he indeed is alive.
There is one tragic story after another bombarding us daily. School shootings to terrorist attcks on public streets to more economical devestation. Ultimately, we will all receive freedom from this world’s evil through the salvation of Christ. Jesus is alive and this means believers are not ensnared in all these tragedies, but instead we have security in knowing that God is steering our boat and our finally resting place is heaven.
This easter take time to share this fantastic message that Jesus is alive! Even if you feel alienated from churches…focus on that empty tomb. Focus on the reality that no matter how we are treated here; we have eternal residence in the most astounding place. Our past hurts and grievances will be just that…the past!
Don’t let your negative experiences with faith communities keep you from celebrating the fact that Jesus is alive! No matter how broken or impaired we feel with our earthly bodies; remember that Jesus experienced brutal brokenness and yet he is alive! We can certainly take our daily struggles in light of the bigger prize!
This Easter as you go through your day I challenge you to think about the ways you feel the most oppressed. Whether it is caused by your disability, family, finances, just to name a few. Then picture in your mind throwing these stumbling blocks at the foot of the cross. Let them just stay there. do not pick them up again. Instead picture the ways you want to be validated. Maybe a kind word from a family member. Perhaps getting a job. Whatever would make you feel affirmed picture yourself in that situation. Remember Jesus is alive and that power belongs to those who believe. Start by picturing a better future for you!
It is my prayer that you are incredibly blessed this Easter. I pray that the burdens weighing you down will be lessened and that you can feel Jesus right next to you trying to share your load.