After a weekend of anguish and travail, after seeing their Rabbi mercilessly beaten, whipped, and crucified on the cross, the disciples of Jesus Christ waited…holding onto the hope that he would resurrect himself from the grave, just as he had promised.
Then, just as dawn broke, two women scurried quickly to the tomb in nervous anticipation to see if the words of Jesus would come true.
And what they found took their breath away. There by the tomb, with the stone covering rolled away, sat an angel of God. His countenance was like lightning.
He spoke to the women who looked upon him in fear and dismay:
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” (Matthew 28:5-7)
Jesus DID rise from the dead, and He lives today. This Easter weekend, we celebrate His resurrection. The empty tomb brings fullness to our lives and hope for our future. The meaning of his death and resurrection is summarized in the beautiful hymn written by songwriters William & Gloria Gaither, Because He Lives. The chorus reflects words of hope that we all need today, now more than ever.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living, just because He lives.
The resurrected Jesus spent time with his disciples once again, here on earth, before he ascended into the heavens. His final words offered hope and encouragement:
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Watch this beautiful video of the West Coast Choir singing about the power of His love that has come to set us free, and may your Easter be filled with hope! Click here to watch, Because He Lives!