Gesamtlänge aller Episoden: 3 days 17 hours 56 minutes
Back in 2002, Google launched an ambitious project to digitize every book that exists. Imagine that, all those books! But now, here’s a book in which you are mentioned in the dedication!
When our Savior showed Himself alive again, on the evening of that first Sunday after His resurrection, with Thomas present, it was more than simply a case of our Savior being a good sport. He did this for Thomas’ sake, it's true. But He also did this specifically with you in mind.
When you and I share the Gospel, and announce God’s forgiveness, it’s more than a breath of fresh air. It revives and resuscitates. The Holy Spirit Himself works through that life-giving Word to bring mercy and everlasting life.
On Easter Sunday, Jesus announced to them, "Peace be with you." Then He showed them the scars that mark this eternal victory. The two actions of our Savior are intimately connected.
Isaiah describes for us a feast like no other. The prophet was sent to pronounce God’s wrath on sin, but also to announce hope to repentant sinners. He describes God’s victory over all enemies – including sin and death. Then he describes the celebratory feast, which shall come with it, for all who have trusted in our Savior. Easter is the reservation Jesus has prepared for you at this table.
Have you ever found yourself searching frantically around the house for your car keys? Have you spent any time trying to find the remote for your television? We often look for them in the wrong place. Like the women on that first Easter morning, we look for Jesus who was crucified. And like them, we’re reminded where He has promised to be found.
The authorities who sought Jesus’ death knew they had a real problem on their hands. Despite Pilate's order to seal the grave and post a guard, Jesus rose from the grave on Easter morning. If they held to the story that Jesus was dead, all folks had to do was say, “Show us the body!” So they came up with a story that the body was stolen. There was only one problem. Jesus was alive and He was happy to show the disciples their living Savior.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul passes along specific news "as of first importance.” But this isn’t dire news of danger, it’s fantastic news of forgiveness – news to hear and incredible news to share.
As Easter Sunday is behind us you and I now carry on with all the activities of our regular routine. But the joy of Easter doesn’t stay in the rear view mirror. It goes forward with us. In fact, each week we’re reminded of this new life that we have in our Savior.
"Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!” I love that familiar Easter greeting that we share with one another. What does this mean for our lives this week, next week, and for all the weeks to come? It means that because Jesus our Savior lives, we live each new day now in joyful expectation.
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