The Resurrection: A Call to Love, Serve, and Spread the Good News

On this glorious Resurrection Sunday, we are reminded of the incredible sacrifice and triumphant victory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The empty tomb stands as a testament to God's power over death and His unfailing love for humanity. As we reflect on this momentous event, we are called to examine our own lives and consider how we can live out the Great Commission given to us by our risen Savior.
The story of that first Easter morning is one of awe and wonder. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approached the tomb, hearts heavy with grief, only to find the stone rolled away and an angel whose countenance was like lightning. The angel's words still echo through the ages: "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen, as he said."
Imagine the mixture of fear and great joy that must have filled their hearts as they ran to tell the disciples. And then, the ultimate encounter – Jesus himself, alive and speaking words of comfort: "Rejoice! Do not be afraid." These women, chosen to be the first bearers of the greatest news in history, remind us that God often works through the unexpected and overlooked to accomplish His purposes.
Meanwhile, the guards at the tomb, paralyzed with fear, became unwitting witnesses to the resurrection. Their attempt to cover up the truth with bribery and lies serves as a stark reminder of how the world often responds to the reality of Christ's power. Even today, there are those who refuse to believe, seeking alternative explanations for the empty tomb. But for those with eyes to see and hearts to believe, the evidence of the resurrection is undeniable and life-changing.
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event to be celebrated once a year. It is the cornerstone of our faith and the foundation for how we are called to live every day. As the risen Christ met with His disciples in Galilee, He gave them – and by extension, all believers – the Great Commission:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
This commission is both a privilege and a responsibility. We are called to be active participants in God's plan of redemption, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with a world in desperate need of hope. But before we can effectively go and tell, we must first learn and grow in our own faith. This is why regular Bible study, Sunday school, and fellowship with other believers are so crucial. We must be students of the Word, allowing it to transform our hearts and minds so that we can accurately represent Christ to others.
However, our calling goes beyond mere knowledge. We are commanded to love one another as Christ has loved us. This love should be the hallmark of the Christian community, setting us apart in a world often characterized by division and hatred. Sadly, even within the church, we sometimes fall short of this ideal. We must ask ourselves: how can we expect the world to be drawn to Christ if we, His followers, cannot demonstrate love and unity among ourselves?
The cross stands as the ultimate symbol of God's love for us. Those nails didn't keep Jesus on the cross – love did. A love so profound that the sinless Son of God willingly endured unimaginable suffering for our sake. This sacrificial love should be the driving force behind all we do as believers. It should compel us to forgive, to serve, and to reach out to the lost and hurting around us.
As we consider the magnitude of what Christ has done for us, we must also recognize the urgency of our mission. We do not know when Christ will return, but we do know that our time to share the gospel is limited. Every day, people are making eternal decisions, and we have been entrusted with the message of reconciliation. Are we living with this sense of urgency? Are we ready for Christ's return at any moment?
The resurrection of Jesus offers hope to a world desperately in need of it. It assures us that death is not the end, that sin and evil do not have the final word. In Christ, we have the promise of new life – both now and for eternity. This hope should radically transform how we live, giving us courage in the face of adversity and joy even in the midst of suffering.
As we go forth from this Easter season, let us carry the reality of the resurrection with us every day. Let it inform our choices, shape our priorities, and fuel our passion for sharing Christ with others. May we be known as people of love, grace, and unwavering faith in the risen Lord.
Remember, our God is not a distant deity or a mere historical figure. He is alive and active, working in and through His people to accomplish His purposes. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us, empowering us to live lives that honor Him and draw others to His love.
In a world often characterized by darkness and despair, we are called to be bearers of light and hope. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the gospel, demonstrating that in Christ, new life is possible. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
As we close, let us reflect on these questions:

1. How has the reality of the resurrection changed my life?
2. Am I actively participating in the Great Commission? If not, what steps can I take to be more involved in sharing the gospel?
3. Does my life reflect the love of Christ in a way that draws others to Him?
4. Am I living with an eternal perspective, ready for Christ's return at any moment?

May we go forth with renewed passion and purpose, living as Easter people in a Good Friday world. Let us proclaim with our words and our lives the glorious truth: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!