I don't know if you have ever lost someone very close and dear to you. There is really no adequate way to describe the clash of emotions. The trauma of a loss like this can tear at the very core of your being. You want to be left alone, but being alone with your thoughts is its own torment. At night you long for the temporary escape of sleep, which if found, plays the cruel hoax of letting you awaken for an instant as though all were normal only to have the gut-wrenching reality of loss engulf you again.
This is undoubtedly how the disciples felt when their Lord Jesus, the one to whom they had devoted themselves, was crucified, dead and gone. In addition to the loss of the One in whom they had placed their hopes and dreams, was the fear that they would be next (John 20:19). Imagine the confusion when they first heard of Christ's resurrection (Luke 24:11-12, 36-37; Mk. 16:8). No wonder the Lord's first words to the disciples were, "Peace be with you" (John 20:19, 21, 26).
Our annual celebration of Christ's resurrection, known as Easter, is here again. God's Word reminds us that the resurrection is as meaningful and important to those who love Jesus today as it was for the early disciples. First, the resurrection became a source of great peace (John 20:19, 21, 26). Regardless of how bad or tumultuous your situation, knowing that Jesus, the one who loves you, is alive brings an inner peace that is independent of the world (John 14:27).
Second, the resurrection became a source of proof (1 Cor. 15). It proved the authority, and credibility of Christ and all that He taught (Matt. 12:38-40). It also proved that Jesus Christ was indeed the Son of God. Finally, it proved that there is indeed the possibility of immortality, and life beyond the grave (1 Cor. 15:20-22).
Third, the resurrection became the certainty of Christ's promise of victory (1 Cor. 15:14-19). God the Father's acceptance of Christ's sacrifice is proclaimed by the resurrection. Therefore, it becomes the guarantee of forgiveness, freedom from fear (Heb. 2:14,15), ultimate healing and eternal life, for those that trust in Him.
Fourth, the resurrection becomes the source of power for all who believe (Ephesians 1:18-21). Because of the resurrection we are given the power to become the children of God and be made alive (John 1:12). We receive the power to live new resurrected lives for Him (Rom. 6), and ultimately the power over death itself (1 Cor. 15:54-57).
Finally, the resurrection is the provision of our deep and abiding hope. We have the hope of seeing loved ones in glory (1 Cor. 15:16), of being set free from the sufferings and afflictions of this present world (Rom. 8:18), and of Christ returning for those who love Him (John 14:1-3; 1 Thes. 1:10, 4:18). Yes, the resurrection of Christ is more than a myth, more than imagination, and more than a mere memory. It is the pinnacle and seal of everything we hold dear as Christians. I hope and pray that you treat the resurrection of Christ as more than a memory, that you trust Him as living Savior, and that you celebrate it every Lord's Day.
~ Pastor Cliff
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