TGH Easter Message

“Why do you seek the living among the dead?" (Luke 24:5)

There is a great rejoicing ringing through the world this day--a rejoicing that cannot be silenced by man, by nature, and, yes, not even by a virus. It is this day that gives our life meaning, and this day that defines the whole of Christianity.

Why do you seek the living among the dead? Just two days ago, we remembered the horrendous murder of the Son of God, and with somber faces we recalled the torture He endured for each and every one of us. In that moment, we were put face to face with the ugliness of our sins, and this day, we recall the only reason any of it mattered. If Jesus the Nazarene did not rise from the dead, the events of Good Friday hardly matter. If Jesus did not indeed rise, our faith is in vain. If Jesus did not rise, we are but poor sinners lost in the world. The very notion of these thoughts strikes a fearful and awful cord in our hearts--for, try as some might, the truth is ingrained in each and every one of our very souls--Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Messiah of Israel and the whole world, did

indeed rise on the third day. So the reality remains--the reality of the resurrection transforms everything so that the events of Good Friday matter beyond all human estimation, our faith is not in vain, and we have become poor sinners that are promised salvation.

The horror of Good Friday is brought to fruition by this day. We have died with Christ, who has risen. Rejoice! Why do you seek the living among the dead?