On Good Friday evening a group of dejected people made their way to their homes or their lodgings. Their minds were darkened and scarred by what they had just witnessed.  Jesus of Nazareth, the one they had placed so much faith in, had just been brutally crucified. His body now lay in a borrowed tomb and all of their hopes for the future lay buried with him.  What a sorry, sad picture those dispirited disciples must had made.

Yet within a few short days those men and women were transformed into the excited, confident, bold proclaimers.  They took the world by storm announcing the Good News that Jesus saves. That he is the one who is worthy of all your trust.

What made the difference?  Easter Sunday dawned and the tomb was empty. The angelic announcement to the women sounded in the ears of all the followers of Jesus.  “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for HE IS RISEN” (Matthew 28v 5-6)

The startling truth of the resurrection made all the difference.  The resurrection proved to them all that every word spoken by Jesus was true. It proved that he truly was the Son of God.  It declared that his death was no last act of a failure but was the full and final payment demanded by the father for the sins of his people. The resurrection declared that Jesus had conquered sin and death and hell and could truly deliver eternal life to all who repent and believe.  Because Christ arose his followers could be certain of their own resurrection to eternal glory.  The resurrection announced hope to a world filled with darkness and lack of hope.  No wonder the disciples discovered fresh, confidence, fresh zeal, fresh boldness.

My dear friends we need the hope of the resurrection today. This pandemic has sapped our energy, crushed our spirits and dented our hope.  Let us gaze afresh on the empty tomb. Let us life our eyes away from the problems of today and fix them upon the risen Lord.  May the resurrection declare to you that hope is alive. That better days await you and that Jesus the Living Saviour is still on the throne of the universe.  His will is being done.

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for HE IS RISEN” (Matthew 28v 5-6)