And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath been crucified. He is not here; for he is risen, even as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples, He is risen from the dead; and lo, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and “great joy”, and ran to bring his disciples word. Matthew 28:5-8
Mathew writes that on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and other women came to the grave site. This was the same Mary Magdalene who was at the foot of the cross. I read once that the saddest and happiest day on earth were three days apart! I can only imagine the joy these women felt. The gospel is more than a story about Jesus’ death and burial– it’s about the Joy of His Resurrection!
It’s the Joy of Knowing a God That’s Alive…
This week when everyone from atheists, to apologists, and different religions will be presenting their case on the resurrection, there is one thing for certain: THE TOMB IS STILL EMPTY– because HE IS ALIVE!
It’s the Joy of Knowing that our Enemy Has Been Defeated…
“By one-man SIN entered the world, and DEATH by sin”, the devil thought he won at Calvary; the cross was his ultimate victory. He didn’t know in 3 days Jesus was coming out with the keys in hand!
Jesus was dead for 3 days– what did He do from Friday to Sunday? He Invaded the enemy’s territory, overcame his power, destroyed his weapons and spoiled his house!
“And having SPOILED principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Col.2:15).
It’s the Joy of a Gospel That’s Powerful…
The gospel has power to change lives! It changes circumstances and mindsets. The Gospel - the “good news” has the power to save and transform! That’s what the Holy Spirit can do for you – He gives you power you’ve never had before, power over sin, flesh, world!
“If any man be IN CHRIST he’s a new creature, etc.” (2 Cor. 5:17).
It’s the Joy of a Hope Assured…
We have a HOPE – because He was raised, we’re going to be raised!
“Who by him do believe in God, that RAISED Him from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and HOPE might be in God” (1Pet.1:21).
He was the first. The” Firstfruit” is an indication of what’s to follow! Jesus’ resurrection is the first of many more that will be raised when the trump sounds.! His resurrection guarantees our resurrection!
“If in this life only we have HOPE we’d be of all men most miserable. But Christ is RISEN from the dead and became the FIRSTFRUIT of them that slept. By man came death, but by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be MADE ALIVE” (1Cor.15:19-23).
It’s the Joy of a Promise That’s Beyond Description…
The empty tomb says He’s gone to prepare a place for those that love Him!
Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled…” (Jn.14:1-3)
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
No more pain, sorrow, sickness, death, tears, crying, hunger, thirst, sea, sun, moon, night, sin, deceiver, condemnation, or separation! What a reunion day – we’ll never have to say good bye again!
Because He lives, He’s become our healer, counselor, advocate, defense attorney, refuge, Lord, savior, redeemer, king, rock, counselor, father, keeper, master, teacher, and my intercessor!
Do you have a need today? He’s ALIVE!
“He’s able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them” (Heb.7:25).
