The following article was printed in the Missoulian.com last Saturday regarding Resurrection Sunday:
Tomorrow millions around the globe will gather to celebrate the risen Savior and only true God, Jesus Christ. Resurrection Sunday is a glorious day each Spring, but in reality, for Christians is celebrated every single day of the year. This celebration is grounded in the truth of God’s Word which writes that Jesus Christ died on a cross for the sins of His people and on the third day He rose from death to life.
Jesus gave up His life and died because His people have sinned against the Holy God by breaking His law and they face the penalty of eternal death. But God, in His love, sent His Son Jesus into the world to be born a human, to live a perfect, sinless life and die upon a cross. His death, made a way for His people to be saved. In His resurrection, Jesus was raised from death to life, as the victorious King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who has conquered Satan, Sin and death.
Three years before Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection He called to himself followers to join Him during His earthly ministry. He called 12 men to walk where He walked, eat what He ate and witness His teaching of the Kingdom of God and the miraculous works He did. Jesus told His disciples, multiple times, that He would go to Jerusalem, be killed by the religious leaders of Israel and three days later He would rise from death to life.
The Bible records the day that Jesus rose again. The tomb Jesus was laid in was not only empty, but many saw, spoke with, touched and ate with Him. Many who witnessed this event, testified that Jesus is alive until the day of their deaths. At one point more than 500 gathered together with Jesus. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, 40 days after His resurrection, there is one fascinating account of a witness named Thomas.
Thomas, a follower of Jesus was told Jesus had risen, but had not yet seen Him. He told the other followers He would not believe that Jesus is alive unless He saw Jesus and could touch Him to know this testimony was true. Recorded in the Bible, in the gospel according to John, is the moment when Jesus appeared to Thomas.
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:27–29 (ESV)
It is my prayer that you are able to join in the Resurrection Day celebration tomorrow and throughout eternity, because you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and you have faith that He is Lord and God. He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Paul