Luke 24:5-8
“In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Then they remembered His words.”
This Sunday is Resurrection Day. For years I have shuddered every time I hear believers refer to Resurrection Day as Easter. I wish we would always replace it with “RESURRECTION DAY!” In the Dictionary of Word Origins, we have this explanation of the word Easter:
“The English word Easter is from the Anglo-Saxon word Eastre, a pagan goddess whose festivals (called Eastron) were in the spring season. The festival represented the rising of the sun, new life and a new beginning. Also related are the words East, the directions of the rising sun and yeast, a substance which makes bread rise.”
The reality is that Jesus did rise from the grave in ultimate victory!
Picture this fictitious scene. Joseph of Arimathea has a new tomb which he has earmarked for his own burial. After Jesus has been crucified, Joseph makes his way to speak to Pilate. This representative of the Emperor of Rome could not believe what he was hearing. “Joseph, are you saying that you want to bury this man Jesus in your own tomb?” Joseph smiles a knowing smile and replies, “It’s only going to be for three days!” (It’s a joke, folks)
That may be a joke, but the Resurrection is certainly no joke. It is more documented than almost any other event of ancient times. Jesus was seen by: Mary Magdalene, early Sunday morning (Mark 16:9-10); Other women, early Sunday morning (Matthew 28:9-10); Two individuals on the road to Emmaus on Sunday afternoon (Luke 24:13-32); Peter, sometime Sunday (Luke 24:34); Ten of the disciples that night (Luke 24:36); The eleven disciples a week later with Thomas now with them (John 20:26-31); Seven disciples at a seaside breakfast in Galilee ) John 21); The eleven disciples in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20); Five hundred faithful in Galilee (1 Corinthians 15:6); James the half brother of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:7); To a group at His Ascension (Luke 24:44); and Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-7).
If you were an attorney, presenting a case in court, just think what a delight it would be to have that huge slate of witnesses. One after another would tell their utter amazement at seeing Jesus alive and even bearing the wounds from His crucifixion, but more alive than words could describe.
As with cases which are decided today, when the verdict had been announced, some still doubted. The fact of the Resurrection is not decided by eye witnesses, it is by faith!
No one is exempt, and no one is innocent. God has made Himself known in their heart. They may be unwilling to admit that God has revealed Himself to them, but He has! Romans 1:20 gives us the final word; “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today. Trust Him completely and be a blessing.
— Pastor Cecil