He Is Risen!!

By: Paula Short

 

"And the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Matthew 28:5-6 — NASB

Easter is a particularly special time for Christians worldwide as it represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As children of God, this event holds great significance as it signifies the triumph of good over evil and the promise of eternal life.

Picture This

The news begins to spread among the disciples: Jesus has risen! When Jesus appears in the flesh, the news turns into a celebration. Joyous wonder envelops the group of His followers.

But just three days ago and you'd find anything but joy. There's only pain. Suffering. The feeling of abandonment. The crushing weight of shame. The burn of the thorns. The sting of betrayal.   

The bitter disappointment. The questions…

Why?! I thought I was following the Messiah… 

Was He who He said He was?

He was coming to restore Israel's kingdom…what happened?

In moments like these, when we face hardships and think it's the end, the questions sometimes swirl without answers.

But perhaps that's the paradox of the Crucifixion. What feels like the end is actually the beginning. The beginning of the Holy Spirit's work. The birth of the church. The start of a beautiful eternity.

The next time the enemy whispers in your ear, "This is your end," you remind him that so was the Cross…until three days later. This is the hope of Christians everywhere—that death does not have the final say. That death is not all-powerful. That it isn't a foe we have to fear. 

It's just another new beginning.

Pray

God, thank You for Jesus and His sacrifice. Because of it, I can live with hope and comfort. When all I can see is the end, please remind me once again that You have a knack for turning the end into a beautiful beginning. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Reflection

Why do you think only the women came early to the tomb?

What emotions do you think they felt as they walked?

How would you have felt if you were with them?

from Woman to Woman
Umn ministry