On the Monday following Easter, Arthur, a business owner will have to lay-off an employee who has been with his company since the beginning. How will Christ’s resurrection help him make painful decisions with assurance?

 

On the Monday following Easter, Jennifer, a minister and her spouse will be asked to move to a country church more than two hours away from elderly relatives dependent upon their care. How will Jesus’ resurrection help them find needed answers?

 

On the Monday following Easter, you too must wake up and wrestle with the unique challenges and difficulties our world offers. How will Jesus Christ’s resurrection help you face life’s obstacles?

 

If celebrating Easter is to mean more than bunnies, brightly colored eggs and wearing new clothes, questions must be answered. The resurrection of Jesus Christ has to be more than just an annual Sunday worship service… doesn’t it?

 

Imagine how Jesus followers felt as they removed a lifeless body from the cross and laid it in a borrowed tomb. For three years their lives had meaning and purpose. Once, they were preparing for a “New Kingdom” and Jesus Christ would be their Messiah. Now, they were holed up like frightened rabbits, broken dreams lying in the dust.

 

But soon there would be a dramatic change…

 

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He has been raised from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples he has been raised from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember, I have told you.”          (Matthew 28:1-7)

 

Jesus was alive! The disciples could pick up their broken dreams and joyfully continue their preparations for a “New Kingdom.” Christ was their Messiah after all. Instead of being frightened rabbits, the followers of Jesus would boldly launch a movement that would change the world.

 

“Hear the Good News! Jesus Christ has defeated the forces of death and offers eternal life to all who believe.”

 

For Arthur, the business owner, painful decisions must be made but the living Christ gives him the compassion and wisdom to provide real help for his employee.

 

Jennifer must move but former church members begin visiting her parents offering help and support. Jesus Christ is alive and actively involving the faith community.

 

You too can wake up on Monday morning in the secure knowledge that you will never again face life’s obstacles alone! A risen Jesus provides needed hope for the future.

 

Because Jesus is alive, Easter is so much more than simply a story. Celebrating Easter becomes a testimony of faith. Share this story with someone and ask him/her to join you in continuing to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

 

Remember that Jesus Christ is alive! Bet your eternal life on it!