Resurrection Power 🗲
I love Easter. I love the joy of it, the significance of it. I love reading about Jesus and the empty tomb. Strapping on the sandals of Mary or Peter and trying to imagine how they must have felt. He is risen, He is risen indeed! Hallelujah! He did it!
We hear the story of the resurrection and the name of Jesus echoed all around this time of year, even from secular sources. The message of the resurrection is surely one of love conquers hate and good triumphs over evil. Our hearts respond and we identify with these valiant themes. But as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus let's not forget it is for OUR sins he died. Yes, He conquered death and the grave. Yes, He wants us to live peaceably with one another and show love by reaching out to those who are in need. These are noble and important aspirations, and as Christians many of us stand convicted. But we cannot conquer hate and violence in the world without first coming to peace with God in our own hearts through repentance. Only then can we have a relationship with God. All God has ever wanted is a relationship with you. The fruit of that relationship will be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Christ did not die for social injustices alone or to provide an example of how love can conquer evil. It was my sin and yours that nailed him to the cross. He willingly gave his life because of His great love for us. Coming to Jesus in repentance and faith is the only way I can share in His victory over sin and death. Through faith I have been set free from the power of sin and death, and I have peace with God. Hallelujah, thank you Jesus! This is the power of the resurrection. And this is the truth that will set us free!
"If you abide in my word you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." --Jesus (John 8:31)
