“The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. (2) Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him… (6) Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, (7) And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself… (11) But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, (12) And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. (13) And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. (14) And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. (15) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. (16) Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. (17) Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” (John 20:1-2, 6-7, 11-17)
Confusion. Bewilderment. Gradual understanding. Euphoria. The light bulb of faith had nearly flickered out but is now bursting forth in the brilliant light of their faith becoming sight. As you read the story, you almost feel like you are holding your breath in anticipation of what we already know is going to happen. Imagine what those at the initial Resurrection Sunday experienced. We can hear and feel the triumph in the air as we sing one of our favorite songs. The chorus is an anthem of victory!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever,
With His saints to reign.
He arose!
He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
We make much of Calvary and the blood that was shed that paid for our sins. We should because the blood of Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, is all that could appease God’s wrath against sin. Speaking of Jesus, Romans 3:25 says, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”
But, “…if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. (15) Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. (16) For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: (17) And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:14-17) Without the resurrection of Jesus, we are doomed in our sins.
Easter Sunday – Resurrection Sunday is our battle cry Sunday. We joyfully and boldly declare that Jesus is alive, the devil has been defeated, and death has no victory for the child of God. The future is beyond bright and amazing for the Christian. We have nothing to fear or dread. It’s time for us to live and proclaim louder than ever that Jesus is alive and coming again soon!
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
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