Sunday 21 October, 2018

28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 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.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Probably the most important event in all human history is Jesus’ crucifixion and death on a cross. It is a pivotal moment from which the salvation for humankind flowed from, however it is meaningless without three simple words ‘HE HAS RISEN’.

‘HE HAS RISEN’ changed great sadness into great joy.

‘HE HAS RISEN’ confirmed all of Jesus’ words as true.

‘HE HAS RISEN’ is the reason for great hope for the future.

‘HE HAS RISEN’ signifies Jesus’ victory over death itself.

‘HE HAS RISEN’ means we will also rise from the dead.

‘HE HAS RISEN’ is why we worship God.

And yet even after he rose from the dead he still chose to call the disciples ‘brothers’.

So, today, no matter how tough life maybe it does not change the fact that ‘HE HAS RISEN’ and He chooses to call you ‘family’.

Lord, help us today, to see clearly this truth so we can put aside life’s worries and worship you with great joy.

Written by David Newton