The Resurrection Changes Everything

"He is not here, but is risen..." Luke 24:6

How often do we search for meaning and fulfillment in empty promises and aspirations? We are often confident we will find purpose, happiness, and satisfaction in our pursuits only to discover bewilderment, confusion, and emptiness. We invest large amounts of time and effort in willful preoccupation without considering the possibility of futility. Sometimes God wants us to cast our eyesight heavenward and ask for directions.

As the women entered the area surrounding Christ's sepulcher, grief for the crucified Jesus obscured their vision. Overwhelmed by loss and the horror of the brutal suffering Jesus endured, these women were unable to focus on their surroundings. Preparing their minds for the shock of caring for the broken and battered body of their beloved Master, they were too focused on the pain and sorrow to comprehend the possibility of the moment.

"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain other with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?" Luke 24:1-5

A few days prior, Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. The events before Passover had drowned entirely out the rejoicing of Lazarus's reunification with his sisters. The shock and suffering of Jesus' death blotted out the miracle of Lazurus' new life. Witnessing the horror of the Roman crucifixion, these women could no longer remember the miraculous. Physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually these women were exhausted.

"He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words" Luke 24:6-8

In times of rejection, bewilderment, fear, or even despair, we should focus on God's promises. The uncertainty and shock of dire circumstances often obscure the meaningful words of encouragement found in Scripture. Searching for these promises requires a conscious effort. Just as remembering to breathe is vitally essential when in shock, gleaning the truths of God's Word in critical situations sustains and renews our spiritual lives. Through these circumstances, our faith and love for Jesus deepen, and our testimony of His faithfulness grows.

Without the Resurrection of Christ, none of these words would have meaning. Just as these women's future changed in an instant because of the Resurrection, Jesus being alive is our eternal hope and destiny. The promises of God have validity because the Father did not abandon the Son in the grave. Salvation is meaningless if Christ does not rise. The hope of eternal life vanishes into vapor without Resurrection Sunday. Our hope is intrinsically woven into the living Christ.

When we find ourselves depleted, discouraged, or depressed, we can look to the Resurrection for hope and assurance. All too often, we pursue our desires above God's will for our lives. Sometimes we need to reset, rethink, and reestablish the direction of our lives. The Resurrection is a constant reminder of how everything changes when God intervenes. Now more than ever, we need Christ to intervene in our lives. He always provides the guidance, gifts, and grace to accomplish His will in us. Obstacles may still occur, but Jesus delivers assurance in times of difficulty.  

Resurrection Sunday is a marvelous time to reflect upon the meaning of salvation. Eternal hope resides in our risen Savior. Instead of centering our lives around temporal aspirations, this season offers us the opportunity to refocus our goals and realign our priorities. God wants to be our primary focus. Jesus wants us to place Him and His will for us first in our lives. He suffered, bled, died, and arose from the dead to demonstrate His love for us. This Resurrection Sunday is a blessed time to reciprocate our love and devotion to Him. May Christ always be the primary focus of our purpose in life.