Hope because Jesus Lives!
The sun rose early that Sunday morning. Mary of Migdal had been grieving since Jesus was arrested Thursday evening. She was shattered at the death of her Lord, the one who forgave her when others wanted to stone her, who told her to go live a new life. She went to the tomb, planning to sit with the body of her Master.
Nearing the tomb, she stopped short, her eyes wide. The stone, that several-ton rock that had been rolled in front of the tomb to prevent anyone stealing Jesus’ body, was no longer in front of the grave’s opening. Running, she peered inside the tomb. It was empty!
Turning, she saw a man standing near. Thinking he was the gardener, she spoke through the tears streaming down her face. “Sir, please tell me where you have taken my Lord.” Then he spoke her name. “Mary.”
He is Risen – Just as He promised
A little boy once said you know someone loves you “when your name is safe in their mouth.” Mary’s name was safe in Jesus’ mouth, and she realized it was Him speaking to her, risen just as He promised. Radiant, she ran to tell the disciples the good news.
The apostle Paul wrote the Corinthians about the significance of Jesus’ resurrection. “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead …” (I Cor 15:17-20a)
After my first husband passed away, I fell into a pit of despair. What if Jesus didn’t rise from the dead? What if all I believed was a lie and I would never see Jerry again? I agonized, unwilling and unable to share my fears with anyone. After about three weeks, God brought a scripture to mind.
After many turned away from Jesus, He asked the disciples “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Simon Peter replied, “Where else would we go? You alone have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:67-69). God spoke those words into my spirit and my doubts were lifted as I thanked God that because of Jesus’ resurrection, I will indeed see Jerry again–and even more, one day I will see Jesus face to face. Glory!
How has Jesus’ resurrection changed your life? I’d love to hear.
I brought Charles’s remains home today–a strange yet comforting experience to have what is left of him in a box on his nightstand. Thank God there is more to my man than ashes. His spirit was set free when he breathed his last, and went straight to the Lord and that place prepared for him. If it were not for the Resurrection, I would be in despair, but because of it I, too, will be set free and join my Lord and my dear Charles when the time comes. “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5-6
Karen, my heart feels with you. I recall bringing Jerry’s ashes home and yes, it was comforting but weird too. So much more to these men who have left us. I can imagine Charles and Jerry becoming buds there in our eternal Home. Love you dearly.