Easter Means Hope For The Hopeless

by Kevin Burton

   You’ll hear Christians today saying “He is risen!” and others answering “He is risen indeed!” What does that mean?

   For the Christian faith, for the human race, it means everything.

   Today is Easter, “the annual celebration of Christ’s resurrection to life after His crucifixion and death,” according to www.gotquestions.org.

   “The day is also called Resurrection Sunday. The word Easter is related to the word east, which naturally points us to the sunrise, to new days and new beginnings.”

   Christmas is a big, big deal in the world as it should be. But Easter should be much, much bigger.   Without Easter there would be no hope for any of us. We would be doomed to eternity in hell, after this short earthly life.

   Do you like chocolate rabbits and boiled eggs? So do I. But the God who made heaven and earth, and made you, is offering much more than that.  Do yourself a favor and tune out the bunnies this Easter and investigate the truth in the Bible. You will never regret it.

   Compared to the shouting for Christmas, the meaning of Easter has been muted. Let’s go back to the got questions website to further amplify the meaning of Easter. 
   “Easter is a Christian holiday, and Christian celebrations focus on the true meaning of Easter: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

   “Two thousand years ago, a man died on a cross, was buried, and three days later rose to life again. This fact—that a dead man came to life again and lives evermore—is why we celebrate Easter. The meaning of Easter is that the Son of God paid the price for our sins and rose again to reconcile us to God (see Romans 4:25),” the website reads.

   “Easter means that our greatest enemy, death, has been conquered. Easter means that our sins are forgiven and we are made right with God. Easter means that Christ is truly the King and Victor, seated ‘far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked’ (Ephesians 1:21). The meaning of Easter is that Jesus is the Lord of new beginnings, new days, and new lives.”

   Doesn’t that sound awesome!
   “Easter means that the incomprehensibly great power of God was on full display at the Garden Tomb where Christ lay. That same great power that raised Christ from the dead now works in us who believe (Ephesians 1:19). The meaning of Easter is that God can move mountains, split seas, restore life, and roll the stone away,” the website reads.
   “Easter means the poor in spirit will possess the kingdom of heaven, the mourners will be comforted, the meek will inherit the earth, the seekers of righteousness will be filled, the merciful will find mercy, and the pure in heart will see God (see Matthew 5:3–8). The meaning of Easter is that the promises of God come true in Christ,” the website reads.

   “Easter means that we can proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind. We can set the oppressed free and announce the year of the Lord’s favor (see Luke 4:18–19). The meaning of Easter is that the gospel—God’s Emancipation Proclamation—is to be heralded far and wide. Good news is meant to share.”
   “Easter means that love is stronger than death. Love “burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away” (Song of Solomon 8:6–7). It was for love that God gave His only Son (John 3:16); it was for love that Christ died on the cross (John 15:13). It is for love that the risen Lord intercedes for His children (Romans 8:34). Easter is fraught with love,” the website reads.

   “Easter means there is hope for us, after all. As Jesus said, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).”

   Did you ever get your Starbucks for free because someone “paid it forward”?  This is much, much more meaningful.

   Jesus paid in full, the price for your sin, on the cross.  His resurrection from the dead means that by trusting in Him you can spend eternity with God.

   It’s the difference between heaven and hell. That’s Easter. He is risen. He is risen indeed!