The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ ~ 1Corinthians 15:56-57.
Introduction:
Happy Resurrection celebrations to all our friends and brethren around the world! May the power of Christ’s resurrection continue to bring renewed hope, love, peace, power and God’s endless blessings to you and yours, in Jesus Name. Amen.
Christ’s resurrection is, unarguably, one of the greatest and most momentous events in human history. It is the key-stone of the arch of our holy faith, and therefore, very central to true Christianity. It is our firm foundation, promising us restoration and eternal life through our Saviour Jesus Christ.
During Easter, we celebrate the almightiness of God, the incredible depth of His redeeming love, the vicarious sacrificesof Jesus Christ and the matchless power of the Holy Spirit that raised Him from the dead. We also rejoice in the matchless hope that is now ours because of the gracious event of the first resurrection morning.
Yes, the story of Jesus’ resurrection is quite familiar to many people; albeit, its profound messages of love, hope and new life in Christ for all of humanity must never lose their resonance.
This victory of Jesus Christ over death is not just a testament to His divine power, but also a promise of new life for all who follow Him in true faith. Through His resurrection, we now have the noble opportunity and the matchless grace to rise above the shadows of despair and hopelessness that life sometimes casts upon us.
The Resurrection Story In Our Difficult World!
Yes indeed, we all occasionally face challenges that leave us feeling trapped and without a ray of coming sunshine. Whether it’s on our career paths, in our life’s assignments, in family life, in health or in whatever looks like a valley of despondency, we all experience times when we need our hopes to brighten up again.
Besides, generally, these are difficult times in the world today! There are wars, rumors of war, political instabilities, as well as stress and distress in many quarters of the world, resulting in general economic downturns, with a large chunk of the populace finding things unpalatable on many fronts.
The sociopolitical life also follows the same pattern, with many people feeling terrible, dissatisfied, depressed and disappointed on many counts. Suffering and struggling to barely survive, they have resigned to eating their bread without butter!
Yes, we might counsel that governments at all levels worldwide should devise more effective ways of reaching the masses with palliative measures and other subsidies at this time, even as well thought out policies are being rolled out to improve the national/global economic outlooks.
No doubt, these may go a long way to rescuing many people from their social quagmires, boosting their morale and making it easier for them to restore some of their lost confidence in the government.
Nevertheless, I dare say that there’s an even better way to live, whereby we can progress in life despite all the economic realities around us. It is by encouraging ourselves to live, walk and operate in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, every day.
On this mode of faith in Christ’s resurrection power, you don’t struggle to survive because the abundant life of God in Christ works in you, for you and through you (John 10:10). You thrive by grace without rigour, and soar to greater heights without flapping.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ brings virtues to the darkest issues of our lives. In His victory over death, we find confidence that no circumstance is beyond supernatural intervention, no lack beyondHis sufficiency, and no social challenge beyond turnaround.
Death, the last enemy of man, has been swallowed up in victory publicly, perfectlyand permanently (Revelation 1:18). Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and thus demonstrated God’s supremacy over death. Consequently, there should be nothing left to fear. This truth should instill confidence in us, and make us fearless, no matter what happens around us.
In this regard, my admonition to all citizens of the earth at this time is that we should allow this resurrection season to revive us, and increase our faith and confidence in God for the emergence of better and greater human communities.
We should place our hope in God, instead of becoming engrossed in thinking of what the government should do for us. God, being our very present help in times of need, will certainly help us as we place our implicit trust in Him.
Friends and brethren, in times of prevalent uncertainty or despair, let us cling to the hope we gleaned through Christ's resurrection. His victory assures us that even amid trials, God is at work to give us joy in the place of our mourning.
The Resurrection of Christ is not just a historical event, but a present reality. When we open our hearts to the power of Hislove, we allow Him to work in us and through us, bringing new life to even the darkest situations of our lives.
Alleluia! Jesus Christ died for us, and was buried. But, He didn’t stay dead, and the grave couldn’t hold Him captive! He arose on the third day at the first resurrection morning, and He lives on forever more!! Yes indeed, He is alive, even today!
This enduring truth should provoke in us boundless joy as we celebrate the Lord this season and every day! Nevertheless, we must cling to this hope and allow it to fill our hearts with courage and peace, no matter what challenges we face as individuals or in our nations, any day. You won’t miss it, in Jesus name. Happy Resurrection Sunday!
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Bishop Taiwo Akinola,
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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