Monday, March 28, 2005
Easter Monday
Matthew 28:1-2, 5-7 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 . . . The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: `He has risen from the dead . . ."
THE FIRST EASTER PULPIT
In the days after His Resurrection Jesus was seen by an astonishing number of people. There were well over 500 witnesses to the fact that Christ was risen indeed. Furthermore, none from this number ever confessed that he or she was deceived. In fact, many of these people died bearing witness to the fact that Jesus lives. The resurrection of Jesus is better attested than most other events in world history.
And like the first witnesses we also rest our faith on this fact. We build on this truth. We live in this reality. Jesus does not merely live in story or in memory. He is no longer dead, He is physically alive.
So the most important question that could be put to you this day or any day is: Are you resting your hope on Jesus' Resurrection from the dead? Do you believe He died and rose for you? Do you depend on Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins?
If so, then you are building on the foundation that death cannot shake and that hell itself cannot touch: CHRIST IS RISEN.
He is who He said He is: the eternal Son of God. He does what He promises: He forgives our sins, He makes us right with God, He gives us life now and forever.
Rest your faith on this fact, this truth, which was not only proclaimed by the stone rolled away but also by that messenger from God who sat upon it and made of it the first Easter pulpit. 