Sunday, March 23, 2008

He Is Risen!

From Matthew 28:5-7 - The angel said to the women, "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. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

Do Not Be Afraid.

As children of God, we have no cause for fear that Christ will return to exact vengeance for his death or upon our sins. Instead, we are to be filled with peace that all is right, that God has triumphed over the forces of sin and death, and nothing that happens from now until the end of time will change that fact.

He Has Risen, Just As He Said.


Jesus is given powerful credentials in this sentence: not only did he resurrect himself from the dead, but he predicted his own death and resurrection far in advance. If this is not God, then what more do you need?

Come And See...


The angel delivers the first proof of Jesus' resurrection -- in today's terms, we'd call that "full disclosure". God has nothing to hide behind lies and obfuscation. He is a God of truth.


Go Quickly And Tell


This is a precursor to the more famous Great Commission at the end of the chapter. The angel instructs the women not to stay and ponder and wonder at the events of Easter morning, but to GO. To TELL. To share this wonderful news with those who are open to hearing it.


Happy Easter, everyone. He is risen, He is risen indeed!

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