“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Phil. 3:10)
The world is still filled with amazement that many have chosen the path of disbelief about the events of Easter Sunday. Some argue that Jesus may not have died before the “claimed resurrection” while there are those that hold the view that the disciples stole the body from the grave and reburied Him in as unknown location.
The facts that are incontrovertible are that Jesus was tortured, nailed and hanged to the cross for over 3 hours. The soldiers broke the legs of the two others that were hanged with Him but did not break His because He was already dead. A sword was pierced through His ribs, blood and water came gushing out. Having been buried, the Roman soldiers rolled a big stone over His grave and placed sentry over it. The fear-stricken disciples that took their flight when Jesus was arrested and denied knowing Him could not have mustered that courage to face the Roman soldiers to release the body of Jesus Christ.
A greater power came down, raised Jesus from the dead, rolled back the stone and set Him free (Matthew 28:2-4). The guards became powerless and death was swallowed up. Isaiah 25:8 says “He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the Lord had spoken.” The angel told the women that came to the grave “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!” (Matthew 28:5-6).
Testifying to the reality of Christ’s resurrection, Apostle Paul writes: “Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up – if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” (1 Cor. 15: 12-19). Are you in the group that is still looking for Jesus’ body among the dead?
Christ is risen and the power that raised Him from the dead and roiled away the stone is available to you today if you seek Him with all your heart (Matt. 6: 33). When you find Him, you will be empowered to live to please Him.
Have a joyful celebration as you rise with Christ from your sins.
Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon