He Is Risen!
Matthew 28:6
"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." - Matthew 28:6 (NKJV)
In these simple yet profound words, the angel announces the most monumental event in human historyā€”the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This declaration brings hope, joy, and victory to all who believe, for it signifies the defeat of sin and death and the assurance of eternal life for all who place their faith in Him.
I. The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The resurrection of Jesus was not an unexpected event but the fulfillment of countless prophecies recorded in the Old Testament Scriptures. From the promise of the seed of the woman in Genesis to the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah, the Scriptures pointed forward to the coming Messiah who would conquer sin and death through His death and resurrection.
II. The Triumph over Sin and Death
The resurrection of Jesus stands as the ultimate victory over sin and death. Through His death on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe in Him. And through His resurrection, He conquered the power of death, offering eternal life to all who trust in Him as Savior and Lord.
III. The Foundation of Our Faith
The resurrection is not just a historical event but the foundation of our faith as Christians. It is the linchpin upon which the entire Christian worldview rests. If Christ has not been raised, our faith is in vain, and we are still in our sins. But because He is risen, we have the assurance of salvation, the hope of resurrection, and the promise of eternal life.
IV. The Call to Witness
The angel's invitation to "come, see the place where the Lord lay" extends beyond the physical tomb to the reality of Christ's resurrection in our lives today. As believers, we are called to bear witness to the reality of the resurrectionā€”to proclaim the good news of Jesus' victory over sin and death and to invite others to encounter the risen Lord for themselves.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the glorious truth of Christ's resurrection. Thank You for the victory He has won over sin and death and the hope of eternal life that He offers to all who believe in Him. Help us, Lord, to live as resurrection people, bearing witness to Your truth and love in all that we do. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
May this devotional remind you of the profound significance of Christ's resurrection and inspire you to live as resurrection people, bearing witness to His truth and love in the world. May you rejoice in the victory that He has won and the hope that He has secured for all who believe.