Weekend, April 8, 2023 (Easter weekend)
The Essential Message of Easter
But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. (1 Corinthians 15:20 NLT)
Easter is not only a celebration of a historical event. Though it took place in the first century, it reverberates to this day.
What is Easter all about? It is the simple yet profound truth that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, defied death and rose bodily from the grave.
Death is the great equalizer. It knocks at every door, whether someone is young or old, rich or poor.
Sometimes it comes when it’s generally expected, after a long and hopefully full life. At other times, it comes abruptly—far too soon in our estimation. Yet there are no guarantees that we will live to an advanced age. We don’t know when death is coming.
The Bible tells us there is “a time to be born and a time to die” (Ecclesiastes 3:2). And while it’s true that our bodies will cease to function at one point, there is life beyond the grave. Because Christ died and rose, we don’t have to be afraid.
That is the essential message of Easter. The follower of Jesus doesn’t have to fear death.
The apostle Paul wrote, “But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man” (1 Corinthians 15:20-21 NLT).
The phrase “the first of a great harvest” speaks of the first installment of a harvest to eternal life. Christ’s resurrection guarantees that all believers who have died will be resurrected as well.
Jesus said, “Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live” (John 14:19 NLT).
Because Jesus rose, we, too, will rise. Do you have the hope of life beyond the grave?
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In thanks for your gift, you can receive a copy of Marvel at the Moon by Levi Lusko
In this fantastic 90-day devotional, author and pastor Levi Lusko uses illuminating stories, biblical teaching, and eye-opening surprises about outer space to show kids that they’re never alone because God is always with them. A copy of this beautifully illustrated book will be mailed to you when you make a gift of support to Harvest Ministries this month.
