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"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for
or sins acccording to the scriptures: and that he was buried, and that he rose again
the third day according to the scriptures."
(I Corinthians 15: 3-4)
RESURRECTION MORN
Dawn was breaking as the small group of women neared the tomb. The past three days had been a sad time. It was still hard to believe that Jesus was dead. Yet they carried the spices to anoint his body . However, when they reached the tomb, they were shocked to discover the huge stone rolled back from the door to Jesus’ tomb. Cautiously, they entered the tomb and discovered that it was empty. Jesus was gone! Suddenly, they saw two men standing beside them. The men’s garments shone brightly. “Why seek ye the living among the dead?” They asked the frightened women. “He is not here, but is risen. Remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee?” Suddenly they remembered the words of Jesus. (Luke 24: 1-6).
I can stand there beneath that cross that our Saviour hang on. The shame he suffered on that day so long ago is embedded in my mind. Tears even now flow from my eyes to know that one so great and sinless was willing to be made like unto us. Jesus knew where it would lead, but he loved us so much that he willingly accepted that path. I believe that what ever the cost, he fulfilled it all. For by his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53: 5)
We remember the death and Resurrection of Jesus every year in the spring. It is a time when everything is reborn and comes alive. We can feel the joy that flooded the disciples hearts as they finally realized what the death of Jesus really meant. It was like walking out into the sunshine of a bright morning after a long dark night. So it is when Christ comes into every Christians life, we are born anew. Old things die away, and we begin to walk out of the tomb that Satan has enslaved us all in.
Humans are funny creatures. They will stubbornly cling to something that they know is wrong. Each will fight hard against being brought to the truth of what the cross does for them. It takes all of Satans lies and deceptions and nails them to the cross.
The blood that flows from the cross washes away their sins, cleasing their lives and opening their eyes to the way. As Christ became obedient unto death, each and everyone of us must become obedient to him. Take up our crosses and follow him each and every day that we live. It is sometimes very hard to do, when what we want tries to hinder our steps. But with each step we take in faith, we move even closer to Jesus.
There is nothing in this world made by man that can compare to what awaits us in God's kingdom.
All we have to do is to carry our crosses for the world to see .
Written by: Gregory Clyde Belcher April 2001
