As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the profound message of hope and renewal that the resurrection of Jesus Christ brings to our lives. In Luke 24:46-47, Jesus shared with His disciples the fulfillment of prophecy:
“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”
This divine revelation unveils the heart of Easter—the triumph of love over sin, the victory of life over death.
In his book, Hope in Times of Fear, Tim Keller sheds light on the deeper meaning of Jesus’ resurrection. It’s not merely a supernatural event but the dawn of a restored world as God intended. The resurrection isn’t just about future hope; it’s about experiencing God’s kingdom in the present. It’s a profound revelation that empowers us to live with purpose and confidence, knowing that the resurrection brings God’s transformative power into our lives right now.
His Promise to You
Jesus unveils the divine plan of redemption. The Messiah would suffer, die, and rise again on the third day. This powerful truth signifies not only the fulfillment of Scripture but also the manifestation of God’s unwavering love for us.
In Acts 2:24 it states, “God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” At Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, and God’s triumph over death, granting believers eternal hope today and tomorrow. May we celebrate Jesus’ victory every day, affirming faith in his power to conquer sin and offering the promise of new life to all who believe.
A Call to Repentance
The resurrection heralds a message of repentance and forgiveness for all nations. It begins in Jerusalem but echoes throughout the world, inviting every heart to turn toward the risen Savior.
Romans 8 proclaims, “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”
The Power of the Resurrection
Easter is a time to reflect on the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection in our lives. Through faith, we participate in His victory over sin and death, experiencing a renewal that brings forth a new and abundant life.
In 1 Peter 1:3, Peter praises God for granting believers a “living hope” through Jesus Christ’s resurrection. This hope isn’t passive but vibrant, fueled by the power of Christ’s victory over death. Through God’s mercy, believers experience a spiritual rebirth, entering into a new reality shaped by the resurrection. This living hope isn’t fleeting; it anchors our faith in the unshakable truth of God’s redemptive power. It sustains us through trials, reminding us that our future is secure in Christ. Therefore, as we reflect on the resurrection’s power, let’s rejoice in the living hope it brings—a hope that transcends earthly limitations and points us towards the eternal glory found in Christ alone.
A powerful statement from Tim Keller brings this back to the power of the Resurrection. “The resurrection not only brings the future into the present but also brings heaven to earth.”
The celebration of Easter is centered on His faithfulness.The Messiah has risen, bringing forgiveness, redemption, and the promise of eternal life. May this season fill your hearts with gratitude, joy, and the certainty of a hope that endures through the ages.
As we look to Easter, may we be reminded that the gospel power of the cross and the empty grave is what fuels our motivation to see restoration and reconciliation in the lives of vulnerable women and children.
Written by: Herbie Newell, President and Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services