By Sheeba Lawrance
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities…and by his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4 In everyday life, the drama of evil and good, violence and healing, sins and forgiveness are played out on world’s stage. Actors come and go, playing their parts, but the drama continues. However, it is God’s part in the drama that is both constant and ever new. In his love for the world which he made, he yields his son the worst of human nature and in his love for us, God raises Jesus from the world’s grave.
God’s resurrection, or EASTER, is God’s plan of salvation for the whole world. God loved us so much that he manifested himself for us, through his son, Jesus Christ, who was born for us, lived with us, suffered for us, and gave up his life for us. God’s job didn’t end there. Instead he gives us ‘eternal life’ through the resurrection of Jesus. As the Apostle Paul says, “It is no longer I that liveth, but Christ that liveth in me…”
Life in Christ has defeated sin and death. We no longer need to fear them. Jesus has conquered the grave. He is risen indeed for his tomb is empty. The good news calls you today… “Your tomb is empty too… Rise..!” When the spirit of Jesus delivers us from doubt, fear and grief, we leave an empty tomb behind. And whenever we let go of envy, anger and greed, we are raised from ‘a little death’, which gives way to new life. Being given the opportunity to leave the ‘wages of sin’ behind and instead reach towards ‘eternal life’ in Christ is an incredible gift from an incredible God.
But how does one leave behind the sins of the past in exchange for the newness of life?? The scripture says, “His divine power has given us everything that we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” (2 Peter 1:3). Read that again… not ‘some thing’ or ‘almost everything’, but everything is what the word says..! Knowing him enables us to deliver the ‘new life’ Jesus paid such a great price for. Lack of his knowledge and word causes many to miss out God’s best for us..!
Jesus is no longer dead. Death will never win again for Christ has already won the battle. He is risen and he lives forever more. It was rightly said by the angel near the tomb… “Why do you seek the living among the dead??” (Luke 25: 5) Resurrection will happen to all. Some in death and some in life… For In Christ we will have life, But without Christ there will be death.
