Hallelujah, Christ is risen!

      And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. Mark 16:6 

 

Hallelujah, Christ is risen. Can you imagine the words being said to the disciples? They were mourning and weeping then someone comes to share the Good News. He is not dead, but alive, He is risen!!

This is exactly what happened over 2000 years ago. Three women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome, went to the grave to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. Arriving early in the morning, before sunrise, they came to the tomb. They were shocked to see the great big stone rolled away from the mouth of the tomb. Who could have possibly moved the stone? It was large and had been sealed by Pilate’s order.

They entered the tomb and were startled to see a man sitting on the side. Could this be an angel? The women were frighten. “Do not be afraid”, he said,” Jesus is risen. He is not here, come and see where he laid. Go and tell Peter and the disciples.”

Shocked, afraid, and amazed are just a few of the words describing the emotions of the women. They could not believe their ears, Jesus was alive. Mary went and told the disciples, they came to the grave and Mary followed. The disciples left with heaviness of heart but Mary remained. She saw a man she thought was the gardener and asked what had become of Jesus’ body. The man spoke to her and she knew it was Jesus.  Now she knew first hand that Jesus was alive. She quickly went to the disciples and told them the great news. Sadly at this time the disciples did not believe her. A short time later Jesus appeared to the disciples and rebuked them for their unbelief.

How about you this glorious Easter morning? Are you a “Mary Magdalene” and believe or a “disciple” and disbelieve? Jesus is real, Jesus is alive and He is waiting to receive you.

(Resurrection account: Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20)

Please take a minute to read the words from an old hymn.

Christ Arose

Robert Lowry

Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus my Lord!

Refrain:
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesus my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus my Lord!

Death cannot keep its Prey,
Jesus my Savior;
He tore the bars away,
Jesus my Lord!

Have a wonderful day with family and friends, keep the true meaning of Easter in your heart.

Have a blessed day,
Donna