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“Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.”—Matthew 28:5-6

The season of Lent takes us on a spiritual journey—from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday. It is a time of extended preparation as we seek to focus our eyes on the cross and the power of Jesus’ death for the forgiveness of sins. Then finally, on Resurrection Sunday, we rejoice in Jesus’ victory over death. Christ is risen!

On the first Easter Sunday morning, two women were in for the surprise of their lives. Instead of a closed tomb, they found an open grave and an angel greeting them with the words, “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.” Life would never be the same for them and every follower of the Lord Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead changed the course of history.

The resurrection is God’s way of announcing that our life does not have to be a one-way journey to the cemetery. God proclaims to us that we don’t have to be trapped in our past. The risen Savior has hit the delete button on our sins. We don’t have to wonder who’s in charge because this Savior has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. And we don’t have to wonder what’s ahead because nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” So, let’s celebrate today! If your church sings this song, sing it out: “Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia!” And if you cannot attend church, take some time to praise God that Jesus is alive. With Christians around the world, we can say, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”

Journeying Together,

John

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