He is risen

Today is Easter and we went to a wonderful service at our church. The music was great. The crowds were happy and excited. We enjoyed seeing friends and meeting new people. Our pastor's message was inspiring and exciting. But with all that and including the clear skies, it wasn't the best part!

The best part is the part that's been around since that Sunday dawn over 2,000 years ago. It is the heart of our faith and our hope. It's the reason for an entire religion. Did you ever think about that? If Jesus had not risen this day, there would be no Christians. There would have been 11 guys and a number of women and a bunch of other followers that would have just died out. After Jesus was captured and tried, found guilty, crucified and buried, his most ardent supporters went into hiding. Only one of them went to his crucifixion to show his support and to comfort Jesus' mother. They were defeated and had were now only interested in their own preservation. They thought it was over.

But after they saw that Jesus had risen - what a difference! They willingly came out of hiding so they could spread the good news. Before, they were hiding to save themselves. Afterward, they came out of hiding to spread the good news that Jesus was alive. And it's the Good News that is the best part of this day - just as it has been since that first Easter. That good news is that we are given something that we cannot, even with all our effort and determination, earn for ourselves. We are offered forgiveness and pardon. We are offered grace that we didn't, and can never, earn.

He is risen, indeed. Be glad and rejoice!

[Update: You can watch the message at this link and view the PDF discussion notes on the same page or by following this link]