It has been a while since I’ve posted a blog. There are several reasons (excuses) I could give, but the truth is, I had no words after the events that took place in Southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The only word that comes to mind is evil. Pure evil
Evil has been a part of our world since the beginning of time. When man disobeyed God and the plan He had for our lives, there was separation. God cannot be in the presence of sin. A perfect God cannot embrace sinful behavior. The good news is that God loves us so much, that He had a plan to have our sins forgiven and absolved so that we could commune with Him. Payment had to be made for the sinful behavior, so our Creator sent an unblemished sacrifice to atone, or pay for these transgressions.
Amid the trials and tribulations that life unfurls, the resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to the triumph of divine love and power over the darkest depths of despair, sin, and death. It is in the resurrection Christians find the foundation of their faith—a confirmation that indeed, Sunday is coming.
Every day, humanity is confronted with challenges both large and small. These troubles can range from personal struggles such as illness, loss, and disappointment, to broader societal issues like injustice, violence, and environmental degradation. It's in these hardships that the significance of Jesus Christ's resurrection becomes ever more palpable and profound.
The resurrection narrative, as recounted in the Gospels, begins with sorrow and despair. Jesus, the Son of God, having been crucified on the cross, is laid to rest in a tomb. His followers are plunged into grief, grappling with the loss of their teacher, friend, and messiah. Their world seemingly collapses, their hopes dashed upon the rocks of Calvary. Yet, this moment of ultimate darkness gives way to an unprecedented dawn.
On the third day, the tomb is found empty, and Jesus is revealed to have risen from the dead—an event that irrevocably alters the course of history and human destiny. This miraculous occurrence is not merely an ancient event enshrined in religious tradition. It carries a powerful, timeless message of hope and renewal that resonates profoundly with the human condition. In the resurrection, Jesus Christ overcame sin and the evil of the world, signaling that no matter the depth of our despair or the extent of our sinfulness, redemption is always within reach. The forces of darkness, however formidable they may seem, do not have the final word.
Amid the struggles of daily life, it can be easy to become mired in our circumstances, to lose sight of the horizon. Yet, the resurrection invites us to lift our gaze, to remember that Sunday is coming. It reminds us that our trials and tribulations are not the end of the story. Just as Jesus' followers found their sorrow turned into joy upon discovering the empty tomb, we too can hold onto the promise that our current afflictions are temporary, and that joy comes in the morning.
Awaiting the coming of our Savior, we are encouraged to live in the light of the resurrection. This anticipation is not a passive waiting but an active engagement with the world in the here and now. It means embodying the hope, love, and grace made manifest in Jesus Christ. It means striving to bring healing, justice, and peace to a world in need, empowered by the knowledge that, in the end, goodness prevails.
The resurrection assures us that our faith is not in vain. In the words of one of my favorite hymns, "In Christ Alone," our hope is found in Jesus Christ—who is our light, our strength, and our song. His victory over death and sin offers us a solid ground upon which to stand amid life's storms, a source of strength that sustains us through every trial.
As Christians, we are people of the resurrection, called to live each day in the light of this transformative event. This does not mean that we are immune to life's difficulties, but it does mean that we approach them from a perspective of victory and hope. We know that whatever challenges we face, they are not the final chapter. Our redemption draws near, and Sunday—a day symbolizing rebirth, new beginnings, and eternal life—is indeed coming.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as a powerful testament to the possibility of renewal and redemption. It invites us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and to place our trust in the God who brings life out of death, and hope out of despair. For in Christ alone, our hope is found. He has risen, and in His resurrection, we find the strength to rise above the troubles of each day, holding fast to the promise that Sunday is coming. He has risen indeed.