He Is Risen!

Today is Easter Sunday! Christians all around the world are rejoicing again for the resurrection of our Savior.

If we take a look back at the recount of the resurrection morning we can see the magnificence of the event and only begin to imagine what it must have been like to witness. Taking a look at the gospels gives us a glimpse into how the disciples reacted to Him coming back to life.

Matthew 28:8 says that once the angel of the Lord told both Mary's that Jesus had risen they "depart[ed] quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, [and] ran to tell his disciples the news". They believed the angel of the Lord when he told them that Jesus had risen and undoubtedly had a rush of many emotions. Continuing in verse 9 "just then Jesus met them and said "Greetings!" They came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus told them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there."" The first thing that they did when seeing Jesus again for the first time was worshiped Him with reverence.

Looking at Mark 16:8 it says that the women "went out and ran from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them". Luke says that the women were "perplexed...terrified and bowed down to the ground" (24:4-5). When Jesus was speaking with the disciples it says that "they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy" (verse 41).

In John's description of the resurrection, Mary Magdalene ran towards Jesus when seeing Him for the first time and the disciples "rejoiced when they saw the Lord" (20:20). Later, Simon Peter even "plunged into the sea" at the sight of Jesus (21:7).

In all of these accounts, there is a common theme of fear and astonishment but most importantly joy! They, understandably, had fear considering the raising of the dead does not happen regularly but that fear did not negate the joy that they felt. As Christians today we also get to take part in that same joy every day. Jesus is still alive today and His promises remain true not just then but now as well. Take a look at 1 Peter 1:8 which says "Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy".

If you have never read the resurrection story yourself I implore you to go take a look at it in the gospels. See for yourself how His sacrifice and resurrection was not just for that day and those people there that witnessed it, but also for today and us personally. He was thinking of you and me as well in His plan of redemption.

With the focus of Easter being the resurrection, it can be easy to forget that the story is not supposed to end there but continue. Right before Jesus ascended to heaven he had one last command for us all which is known as the Great Commission. Looking at Matthew 28:16-20, that command consists of making disciples, baptizing, and teaching all that He has commanded. We are called to continue the Easter celebration every day of our lives and share what it means with others. The joy that Easter provides did not end with Jesus's ascension to heaven but it continues through His work in us!

As we celebrate today, I challenge you to think about this question: What does His resurrection mean for us today and more specifically, your life?

Today is not about Easter bunnies and gift baskets but so much more. It is about the savior of the world overcoming death and ultimately offering a wonderful gift to each one of us! Let us hold onto the joy that he provides us and remember that nothing in this world is uncontrollable by God. He has overcome it all! He is risen! ♥