Resurrection of Jesus

Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” (Matthew 28: 2-7, NLT)

Just as He promised, Jesus rose from the dead. We can be confident that He will also accomplish everything else He has promised. Jesus’ resurrection shows us that Christ is the ruler of God’s eternal kingdom. We can be certain of our future resurrection because He was resurrected. Death is not the end. An eternal future life awaits. The power that brought Jesus back to life is available to us to bring our spiritually dead selves back to life. The resurrection is the basis for the church’s witness to the world. Jesus is more than just a human leader; he is the son of God.

Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. (Mark 8:3, NLT) From this point on, Jesus spoke directly to his disciples about his death and resurrection. He began to prepare them for what was going to happen to him by telling them three times that he would die soon.

When suffering occurs, we may ask, why me? We may feel as though God has deserted us or we may accuse Him of not being as dependable as we thought.  However, in reality, bad things happen because we live in an evil world filled with suffering. But God is still in control of everything! Rather than asking, why me, a more helpful question is why not me? Our faith and the values of this world are on a conflicting course. If we expect pain and suffering to come, we will not be shocked when they hit; however, we can also take comfort in knowing that Jesus also suffered. He understands our fears, our weaknesses, and our disappointments. He promised never to leave us, and he intercedes on our behalf. In times of pain, oppression, or suffering, we should trust confidently in Christ! The next time you suffer, imagine Jesus beside you, holding you with love and compassion and assuring you of a perfect future forever.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you again for everything you have done and everything you have provided for us.  Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the freedom you provided for us and guiding us each and every day.  Please, Father, provide us with the wisdom and knowledge we need each day to make the right choices and follow the path you have chosen for us. Protect us from all evil and help us to make the right choices.  Only you, Father, can show us the way and help guide us into your chosen path. Bless our children, our families, our pastor, and our church. Help us grow stronger in love and unity as we build a stronger foundation in your word. We ask you this Father, in the name of Jesus, Amen.