The Best Day Ever

As Jesus hung on the cross, the world believed the story of Jesus was over.  In those moments, the disciples, the closest followers of Jesus, were engulfed in a turmoil of emotions. Their Lord, their teacher and friend, was dying before their eyes.  With Jesus’ last breath, it seemed as though all hope was lost.  The despair, doubt, and fear that filled them were palpable. It was over!

Mary, the mother of Jesus, witnessed the heart-wrenching scene of her son's suffering and death.  Peter, who denied Jesus three times, was convinced his failure had marked the end of his ministry.  To the world, the darkness of Friday and the silence of Saturday signified defeat.

It was a dark Friday.  It was a Saturday full of despair… but Sunday was coming.  Everyone thought the story had been written and it was over, but the most powerful chapter was yet to be written.  The tomb was empty.  The stone was rolled away, Jesus was risen.  He had defeated death, hell, and the grave.  The victim had become the victor.  It was not the end, but it was a glorious new beginning!

The resurrection speaks of hope.  It is not that we won’t have down times.  It is not that we will not walk through some dark days.  It is not that we will not experience pain.  It is not that there won’t be times of fear.  It is not that we will never have doubts and questions.  However, amid all these things we have a living hope.

This weekend, billions of people all around the world are celebrating with eggs and rabbits.  For us, this day anchors our faith, and it is the cornerstone of our hope.  Amid any circumstance we may face, we know that Jesus wins.  We are reminded that while we may face trials and experience times of despair, there is always hope.

Easter symbolises a living hope, a promise of new beginnings, and the power of resurrection available to us all. It tells us that no matter how dire our circumstances, our story isn't over; Sunday is coming.

I want to encourage you to not dwell or your failures and don’t allow your life to be defined by your defeats.  Turn your life over the Jesus and embrace the living hope that Jesus offers.  Just as Peter found redemption and purpose after his failures, we too are offered a chance for renewal and resurrection in our own lives.

Where do you need resurrection your life today?

The empty tomb proclaims hope for the most broken places in our lives.  Will you put your life in Jesus’ hands today?