This has been an emotional season for my family and I. We recently experienced the sudden loss of several family members, including my infant grandsons. My wife’s mother went to be with Jesus during the same week, and the losses have hit us in a very profound and personal way.
But our loss is heaven’s gain. Jesus paid for all their lives and the lives of you and me. His death, burial, and resurrection mean that an untimely goodbye in this life is not the end. In fact, it is only the beginning. And it’s all because Jesus is alive.
1 Peter 1:3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Because He lives, we have hope not only for this life, but for all eternity.
Because He lives, his shed blood covers not only our sins, but also our pain and our suffering. The stripes He bore give us access to the Father and all His comfort and peace.
Because He lives, we have redemption. We are no longer bound to sin and shame but have access to the forgiveness that only God can give. Our past no longer defines us – because Jesus paid for our future.
Because He lives, we have reconciliation. We are no longer enemies of God because of our sin, but joint heirs to all He has for us in heavenly places. We are restored and set free because Jesus is alive!
Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Because He lives, we have a living hope!
Today is Easter Sunday, and like you, I am rejoicing in the glorious bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus. And because of His resurrection, I look forward to the day when there are no more tears, sorrow, mourning, grief, or pain. God will wipe away every tear from our eyes and death shall be no more.
Until that day, we preach salvation through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection until He comes again and makes all things new.
Happy Easter Sunday!
Steve Holder
President, The Fellowship Network
