He Is Risen

He Is Risen…

Then the angel said to the women, “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, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”  Matthew 28:5-7

The air in the garden hung heavy with the scent of damp earth and the lingering perfume of burial spices. Grief clung to the women like a shroud as they approached the tomb, their hearts burdened by the cruel finality of the cross. They came to anoint a body to offer a final act of love and respect for their fallen Lord.

But what greeted them was not the cold, still presence of death, but an astonishing absence. The stone, heavy and immovable, lay rolled away. And then, a voice, not of this earth, cutting through their sorrow with words that shimmered with unbelievable hope: “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.”

Imagine their hearts, leaping within their chests, a sudden dawn breaking through the darkest night. Fear mingled with a dawning joy, a confusion giving way to the impossible truth. “He has risen!” The words echoed in the stillness, a declaration that shattered the power of death, a promise whispered on the morning breeze.

The angel’s invitation, “Come, see the place where he lay,” was a tangible confirmation. The empty tomb, a stark and silent witness, spoke volumes. Death could not hold Him. The grave could not contain the Author of Life.

And then, the urgent commission: “Go quickly and tell his disciples!” From the depths of despair, they were thrust into the role of messengers of the most incredible news the world had ever known. Their grief transformed into a breathless haste, their tears wiped away by the sheer magnitude of the resurrection.

This Easter, we, too, stand at the empty tomb. We remember the darkness of Good Friday, the weight of sin and sorrow that nailed Jesus to the cross. But we also embrace the glorious light of Easter morning, the triumphant declaration that death has been defeated. The empty tomb is not just a historical fact; it is a living testament to the power of God’s love, a promise of new life, and eternal hope for each of us.

Let us, like the women, cast aside our fears and embrace the joy of the resurrection. Let us go forth and share this incredible news, not just with words but with lives transformed by the hope that is within us. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Gracious God, on this Easter morning, we stand in awe of the miracle of the resurrection. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, who conquered death and offers us the gift of eternal life. Fill our hearts with the joy and peace that this truth brings. Strengthen us to be bold witnesses of your love, sharing the good news with all we encounter. May the hope of the empty tomb empower us to live lives that reflect the new life we have in Christ. Amen.

Let Easter say this: that the grave yields to life, that weakness becomes power, that defeat turns into victory beyond the wildest dreams.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼