He is Risen!

I have reflected a great deal on Holy Week as we lead up to Easter Sunday. Tomorrow, Good Friday, acknowledges the day Christ was crucified on the cross for our sins. Not just mine... Ours. 1 John 2:2 claims, "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." It was on Good Friday just a few years ago that my Dad found out that not just one of his brothers was a bone marrow match, but BOTH of them were. I still stand amazed at that blessing and miracle. It indeed was and always will be a Good Friday.

Easter Sunday revealed an empty tomb: Our Risen King! I marvel at and cling to the Easter story for several reasons: it is the basis on which we can live victorious Christian lives AND it is a promise that I will see my Dad again one day. Jesus defeated death. He was nailed to the cross. He shed his blood as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (Romans 3:25). We have hope in this world because our faithful God gave us His greatest gift... He died so we could LIVE.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5)

 “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 

(Luke 24:1-8: Resurrection)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!