Happy Easter everyone!

Some call it Resurrection Day and that is good because just like we celebrate the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ, we celebrate the miracle of his resurrection from the dead. A miracle in a natural sense. The power of God in a spiritual sense.

Believers all over the world are celebrating the risen savior who fulfilled the purpose of God: to save mankind – paying in full the cost of our sins, securing our eternal life in heaven and giving us a “lively” hope now.  Preachers will tell you the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of what Christians believe.

Scripture gives us a picture of what happened on the third day (after Jesus’ crucifixion)

Luke 24: 1-8 (Amplified Version, The Holy Bible)

1 ON the first day of the week, at early dawn, [the women] went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had made ready. 2 And they found the stone rolled back from the tomb, 3 But when they went inside, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And while they were perplexed and wondering what to do about this, behold, two men in dazzling raiment suddenly stood beside them. 5 And as [the women] were frightened and were bowing their faces to the ground, the men said to them, Why do you look for the living among [those who are] dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee 7 That the Son of Man must be given over into the hands of sinful men (men whose way or nature is to act in opposition to God) and be crucified and on the third day rise [from death]. 8 And they remembered His words.

Here’s another scripture reference to Jesus appearing before women and men.

Matthew 28: 1-10 (King James Version, The Holy Bible)

1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Amen! Jesus is Risen, as he said. Let’s celebrate today and everyday…and tell others the significance of Jesus’ resurrection.

© Orlando Community News, 2013