HE IS RISEN!

Matthew 28:5-8 But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid for I know you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay. And go quickly and tell the disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed is going before you into Galilee, there you will see Him. Behold I have told you. So they went out quickly with great fear and joy, and ran to bring His disciples word....

Our Christianity is based on this fact....HE IS RISEN! Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is proof that His death was an actual propitiation for sin, and that the Father accepted it as such. The cross was the payment; the resurrection was the receipt, proving that the payment was fully accepted. These women were blessed to be the very first who would bring this news to others. How exciting for them. This is the most important day in the life of a Christian to celebrate. It is day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. He had been crucified and was buried for three days. All His disciples had believed that He was gone for good. None had understood that his sacrifice was the primary purpose of His short life, and the only way for us to obtain righteousness and restore our fellowship with God. There was no sin in Him and no way for Satan to take His life. It was freely given for us all.

That first Easter morning proved beyond any doubt that Jesus was the Messiah. He had told the religious leaders and His disciples that He would give His life and on the third day rise from the grave. The religious authorities had remembered His words and tried to prevent it with a large stone in front of the tomb, a Roman seal and guards. But none of that prevented God's plan for that first Easter. For 40 days after Easter morning, many people were eyewitnesses to the resurrection. Satan and the religious leaders were powerless to stop the truth. And they are still powerless to stop the spread of the wonderful message of Easter!

For the secular world, Easter is often about new clothes, hidden eggs, and bunnies. To others it is simply a celebration of the beginning of spring, and the renewing of life.  And  while there is certainly nothing wrong with these celebrations, and plan to enjoy a few of them myself, to those of us who belong to Him and that really understand all that was accomplished on that first Easter morning, it is the greatest day in all of history. HE IS RISEN! Happy Resurrection Day to you all!