The Easter Story
- Richard Selke
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
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“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16, NIV
Easter is the most significant event in human history. At the center of the Christian faith is this truth:
Jesus Christ was crucified, died and buried – on the third day, He rose from the dead.
Christ is risen!
Easter proclaims that life triumphs over death, light over darkness and hope over despair. Easter promises that the worst things are never the last things, that love is stronger than hate, sin and suffering and even the grave - that although our physical bodies die, our spirits live forever.
From the beginning, Scripture points us to Jesus:
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5, NIV
Jesus came as the Lamb of God, lived among us and revealed the heart of God the Father. At His baptism by John (Matthew 3:13-17, NIV) and his transfiguration before Peter, John and James, God said:
“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him?” Matthew 17:5, NIV
Jesus was arrested, condemned and crucified, giving His life for ours.
On the cross, He declared:
“‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30, NIV
And then, three days later, the tomb was empty!
Mary Magdeline went to the grave in sorrow, only to encounter the risen Christ. Her grief turned to joy when she heard Him call her name. She went to the disciples and said:
“I have seen the Lord!” John 20:18, NIV
That same hope is offered to all of us.
For many of us, holidays are not only joyful – they are painful. We remember loved ones who are no longer with us and we miss them deeply. Our grief can be unbearable. Over the years I’ve lost relatives and dear friends. Their absence is especially felt during moments meant for celebration.
The table looks different now. The faces and voices have changed.
Holidays are times of emotional extremes. Gladness and sadness occur simultaneously. And that is precisely why Easter means so much. When the thief hanging on the cross beside Him said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom," Jesus said:
“… today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43, NIV
This is the promise of Easter: our death in this world is not the end. For those who believe in Christ, there is life beyond the grave – eternal life with Him.
My prayer this Easter is that we not only remember this Easter story – but that we believe it. That in our grief we find hope, that in our questions we find truth and that in Jesus Christ we find life everlasting. Because of Him, we can say in confidence:
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Almighty God, Who through Your Son Jesus Christ has overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life, grant that we, who celebrate this day may be raised from the death of sin into new life with Him, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24, ESV
God bless you!
Richard
Christ Worshipper | Disciple Maker | Hope Giver
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you're here! We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. In the Meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
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