When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. (Mark 16:5–6, NLT)
The forces of evil rejoiced as Jesus was laid in the tomb on that dark Friday. Their celebration continued as His body lay there the next day. But now it’s Sunday, the third day, and the celebration belongs not to the forces of evil, but to those who walk in the light. What brought this about? An empty tomb! On our February 2018 trip to Israel, a group from Evangel Church visited two different sites that are claimed to be the place of the tomb in which Jesus was laid. There is a difference of opinion as to which is the true site. But there is one thing that they both have in common. Jesus is not there! Jesus is alive! He is risen indeed!
Throughout the world, those who put their faith and hope in Jesus Christ are celebrating the greatest day in history, the day on which our Savior, Jesus Christ conquered death. It is the third day. Death could not hold Jesus. He is alive and has conquered death and the grave. He gave His life on Friday to pay the price for our sin, but on Sunday, not just sin, but also death was conquered as Jesus rose from the dead. Death had no victory over Him. Because of Jesus, death has lost its sting. Jesus was victorious. And those who turn from their sin and place their faith and trust in Jesus share in that victory (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Jesus rose from the dead and can never die again. And because of His victory, we can experience eternal life. We may one day die a natural death but, thanks to Jesus, we do not have to face the second death, eternal separation from God. Thanks to Jesus, we can experience eternal life. Jesus said that He is the resurrection and the life. He promised that those who believe in Him, although they may die, they will still live (John 11:25-26). Because of the grace and mercy of our heavenly Father, given to us through Jesus, His Son, we do not need to face separation from the Father but can have eternal life in His presence. That is cause for celebration! Hallejujah!
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A Worshiper's Journal 