Can you see them now? Having lived through the terror of Friday they are ready to do what must be done, what time and custom hat not allowed them to do before. With deep sorrow, knowing the risk, they make their way to the tomb. The nightmare gets worse. Not only is the body gone, but they are confronted by two people who look nothing like them or anyone they know! Yet, these two people hold the key to the missing body. Jesus Christ has risen, they tell them. Ah! It’s time to joyfully share the good news, news that was shared so well that today we sing hallelujah. Yes. Fear gave way to Hallelujah songs. Here are three reasons why:
#1 The Missing Body is Good News. Sing Hallelujah Songs.
A body missing from a tomb after three days is a serious matter. However, what the women discovered that first Easter was good news. The body had not been stolen. There was no nefarious plot. This was not one more indignity to their beloved master nor another attempt to squash the message and the Jesus followers. No. It was something much more wonderful—Jesus Christ had risen, showing himself to be Savior and Lord . Sing hallelujah, won’t you?
#2 Mourning Was Interrupted. Sing Hallelujah Songs.
The worst was over. Good Friday was over and now Jesus had risen from the dead. Sure, the images of the crucifixion would remain with them. However, those images would no longer have the same power. Now, they could only be interpreted in the light of the empty tomb. The images, that torturous death and death in general had lost its sting. Sin that leads to death had also lost it’s sting (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Sing those hallelujah songs.
#3 Jesus’ Life Had New Meaning. Sing Hallelujah Songs.
So, Jesus wasn’t crazy. Some of the mystery was cleared up. What Jesus had said about himself, his words, were now the meaning of the present. Words like, “I go to prepare a place for you.” Words like, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised” (Matthew 20:18–19). Jesus’ life had meaning beyond the words and deeds of loving kindness. His death was but the doorway to his victory and life for all. Yes. It’s time to sing those hallelujah songs.
When all looks lost, when you mourn, remember the empty tomb and the resurrection. The worst is over. What you experience will also be over. See the light beyond where you are for there is an open door that leads to victory. Sing hallelujah songs.
Have a blessed Easter!
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