Astonishment and New Life Luke 24:1-12

This Easter morning, what are we looking for? The women went looking for their Saviour, little did they know that their Saviour cannot be found amongst the dead. The bible gave us a brief description of the angels, saying the angel were in forms of men, clothed in gleamed lightning.

The Jesus we serve has risen, he is alive, and he reigns in the hearts of believers. The world thought they could kill him, to their astonishment, not even death can hold our redeemer down. They didn’t know the Son of Man has power over life and death. The Easter story is an amazing story for all generations of the human race. If one has not yet known him, brothers and sisters, let us run to Him today because Jesus is the only risen Messiah, who has power over life and death.

The amazement of our risen Lord is that He turns our expectations upside down i.e. He uses the foolish things of this life to confront those who think they are wise… The things of Christ force us to rethink. Like the women were amazed in their thoughts when they remembered Christ words ‘of destroying this temple and rebuilding it back in three days.

What is our expectation this Easter morning? Is it to hear a nice story of a happy ending from 2000years ago or is it the puzzling, risen Christ who has gone before believers to prepare a place for them so that they will be with Him after His second coming? Friends, Jesus has been through human suffering, so He understands and sympathizes with the challenges we face. Isn’t it right and worthy for us to trust Him, with every area of our lives; He is a story changer, He makes all things beautiful in His time (Ecc 3:11).

You see, when those women remember the word of the Lord, they were full of excitement, their hearts were filled with hope in their Redeemer. We should learn from these sisters that, only the risen Christ can give us true joy and real assurance.

Don’t you agree with me that sometimes when we are facing challenges, in it we read the word of God or someone preaches the word of God over us, suddenly we feel as if a load has been lifted from our shoulders. And as such we burst forth with amazement. Even if the problem is still there but we feel the burden is lighter.

This is a glimpse of his glory manifesting through the testimony of the wondrous things He has done for us. The resurrection of Christ is proof that anyone who calls upon the name of Jesus Christ will be saved. In Christ we have a new life, Whatever, we have done wrong or not done, we should plead forgiveness in His name, so that, through His resurrected power, we can be made anew.

The healing power in His name can set anyone free from all bondage, all forms of addictions, and the ability for one to deal with any life challenge. In His name, families are restored, relationships are mended & second chances are given.

When we plead His name, we must be willing to let go of those things that are hindrances in our lives. What is standing on our way, which makes it hard for us to experience the resurrected power of our Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ.

People who are hearing the resurrection story for the first time may need some time before they can comprehend the amazement like the disciples. At first, they thought the women were saying a fairy tale, but as they dig deeper, they came to know the truth about the story. If you are hearing this story for the first time, just as the disciples found out more, you too should ask those who know about it, read the bible to dig deep and ask those around you who are believers to pray with you.

For it is sad ‘if anyone is in Christ, he/she is a new creature, old things have passed away and all things will become new’ (2 Cor 5:17) This means in Him our old sinful man will be made anew.

How rich in Christ are we today? Has His resurrection taken a sting out of death for us? The Apostle Paul reminds us by saying ‘thanks to God! He gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Cor 15:57)’

My beloved in the Lord, anyone can live for themselves but only the brave & courageous can live for Christ. Why because living for Christ involves the cost of denying of self and it also involves the cost of facing rejection by the world, persecution and even death. However, the gain of eternal life with Christ out-weight the cost the flesh might suffer.

Brethren because Jesus lives, we can face tomorrow, there is assurance of eternal life, what hope for those who believe in Him. Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life. Death oh death where is your sting? Christ is risen! Death is swallowed up in victory. CHRIST IS RISEN HALLELUJAH!!!!

Amen