Wednesday, April 26, 2006
John 5:28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice.
AN EASTER FIELDTRIP
When was the last time that you visited a gravesite? How long since you walked among the stone memorials, those markers both of life and death?
If it has been a while, then I would like to suggest that there is no better day than Easter Sunday. What better day could there be than the day of Christ's Resurrection? What better day than when the promise of our own resurrection is still fresh in our minds? Don't wait until the joy of Christ's Resurrection begins to fade! Go on an Easter Fieldtrip and think about what it will be like when the words of the Lord come to pass! Jesus said: "For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth" (John 5:26-29a).
On Easter Sunday we remember that the graves of the dead are but temporary resting places. All those who trust in the Risen Christ know His promises, which through His Resurrection are given powerful meaning: "Because I live, you will live also" (John 14:19). "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25).
These words ought to send chills down our spines. The same Jesus, who was crucified, died and was buried also rose again -- so that these very words might be hope and life for us. He who was once a dead, cold corpse wrapped in a linen sheet and spices -- rose again! And He has ascended into heaven to prepare a final place of rest for us in the Father's House.
So, any day that you choose to visit a gravesite, take the time to remember Jesus who loved us all so much that He gave himself into death to redeem us. Then He came back from the grave to stand by us.
Remember, one day you also will be laid in a grave. However, since you are in Christ, death cannot hold you even as death could not hold Him. The gave could not contain Him and from the grave Christ will recall you!
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Death has lost its sting forever. Alleluia!
