The Beacon
April, 2021
“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” (Luke 24:2-3)
It was on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, when the women took spices to the tomb where they thought Jesus was lying. They had planned to ‘properly prepare’ His body for burial. What a shock it must have been for them to learn that not only was the stone rolled away, but the body of Jesus was gone! The strangers they encountered (angels) asked the women why they were looking “for the living among the dead?” They then explained that “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6)
The message seemed unbelievable! Jesus had said that “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” (Luke 24:7) But in spite of His prophetic words, the reality was hard to process. When Peter heard the message, he got up and ran to the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and Peter went away wondering to himself what had happened.
The death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and promised second coming of Jesus are all amazing, true, and believed by Christians. There may be those who somehow try to align themselves with Christianity but do not believe in these basic tenets of the faith. Some of Christ’s first-century followers may have wrestled with the ‘miraculous’ happenings surrounding the Savior. But true disciples would have come to understand and accept the truth about Him. Today we have His written Word to guide us into God’s truth.
If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, celebrate what He has done for you! He came to earth to die so that we can live now and for eternity with Him. In His Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus told of a person who owning a hundred sheep. He will leave the ninety-nine in the open country to go after and find the one lost sheep. Jesus then applied the teaching to us by saying, “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7)
Jesus came to save lost sinners. We have the opportunity to repent of our sins and put our trust in what Jesus did for us on the cross. He died for us. He rose from the grave. Jesus is coming again for those are committed to Him.
Worship the Lord during this Easter Season and throughout the year. Grow in Him through your study of His word and as you pray to Him. Share the truth about Jesus with others.
Starting in May, we will be providing an opportunity to study 100 key readings through the Bible. The Essential 100 is a resource that highlights five passages of Scripture each week. You can study them on your own and then come to worship on Sunday where I will preach on one of the texts. Our Connection Groups will then discuss the texts we have studied throughout the week. This is an opportunity for you to solidify your understanding of basic truths like our Savior’s resurrection and other important doctrinal truths. Books are available for you to pick up this month.