“The angel said to the woman, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” -Matthew 28:1-10

After dying a horrible death on the cross for our sins, Jesus rose from the dead. This was unexpected – though very much predicted – and took his followers by surprise. Indeed, what a wonderful surprise; Jesus is alive!

Easter is first of all an historical fact. It actually happened, at a moment in time, in history, in physical reality. It is not just wishful thinking or lame sentimentality, but it is the declaration of the Bible. Jesus died, rose again, ascended, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and is coming again.

The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 tells us that Jesus was the ‘first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.’ Jesus is the first true resurrection to new life, the forerunner of all who will follow him. And Paul makes clear that if this didn’t happen, then our faith is for nothing, and we are to be pitied more than all men. This is not a negotiable item for Christians – Jesus is risen.

Secondly, Easter is an historical pattern; God is the God who brings new life, beauty out of ashes – it is just who God is. Resurrection thus serves as a metaphor for God’s activity in the world. Death is part of the fabric of this fallen world, it is the last enemy, and all are touched by it. There are so many ‘little deaths’ that we experience: sickness, divorce, job loss, tragedy, and the list goes on and on. But God is in the business of life, and of bringing life from death, good from evil. This is the reality Romans 8:28 speaks of: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

The Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 43:18-19 speaks in the context of exile, and says to, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” This is who God is, this is what he does – bringing new life, resurrection life. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 the Apostle Paul teaches that we live by faith, not by sight; there are the outward realities and the inward realities – and the inward are the truest.

There are many stories to be told – stories of new life: I was blind, but now I see. I was lost, but now I am found. I was enslaved, but now I am free. I was lonely, but now I have a family. What is your story? What does God want to do in your life?

Ultimately, it is a literal resurrection that is needed. If Christ doesn’t return first, we will all die and stand in need of literal, physical resurrection; and that is the promise we have – die with Christ, live with Christ. In the meantime, we are offered new life, resurrection life, now. Jesus lived, died, rose again, gave us His Spirit, and is coming again. What more do we need? What more are we waiting for? Eternal life begins now, and then lasts forever. May we receive and believe the good news of the gospel – Jesus rose from the dead, that we might live, both now and forever. He is risen!

Pastor Tim, March 23, 2008