Because He Lives

       Happy Easter to you on this wonderful Resurrection Day. I woke this morning thinking that this was the first time in years I didn't get up early for sunrise service. Some of my best Easter memories are driving home from sunrise service thinking about Mary and Mary Magdalene going to the tomb to find it empty. How stunned but thrilled they must have been. Then to see an angel and him telling them to spread the word to the disciples. People probably thought they were crazy. In Luke it tells us that they were told by the angel, "Why do you seek The living one from among the dead? He is not here but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was in Galilee?Saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day will rise again." And they remembered His words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Luke 24:5-9

       For three years Jesus had been telling  his followers and friends about His death and resurrection. It was not completely clear at the time but now it came into focus. 1 Peter 3:18 tells us, "For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit." 

       That is the key right there dear reader. He died, He was separated from the Father which caused Him great sorrow so that He could bear our sins on the cross for us. That we might have an eternity in Heaven and no longer be separated from God. Here are portions of 1 Peter 1:3-8, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, and the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ and though you have not seen Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory"

      He took our place on the cross. 48 years ago I trusted Christ as my Lord and Savior. At the time as a teen I am not sure I could really grasp the power of that decision. But it was a simple act. To pray to God telling Him I knew I was a sinner and that I believed that He died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. I have never looked back. It has not always been an easy road and I have fallen many times but it is He who gives me hope. It is He who promises to love me and forgive me...forever. It is He who comforts me in trials and fills me with joy. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to not have that love and comfort in life. I am praying for all of you who are reading this. I am thankful for you and happy if you know our Living Savior, but this morning I am earnestly praying for those of you who have no hope in eternity. Because He lives I can face tomorrow. I know I have a future for eternity.  That is a long time folks. 

       Blessings and love to you all on this blessed of days.