Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. (1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV)
After Jesus’ crucifixion and death on a Roman cross, he was taken down and placed in a tomb. But on the third day, the stone at the entrance to the tomb was rolled away, and the tomb was found to be empty. Death had been defeated. Jesus was alive, never to die again.
But Jesus’ resurrection is so much more than one man, no matter how significant, returning to life. His defeat of death has had a dramatic impact on my life. And on all who call upon his name. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, God, in his mercy, has given me new birth into a living hope. The tent I live in will someday be destroyed. But because of his resurrection, I have confidence that something much better has been prepared for me. I look forward to sharing in that resurrection and the new life that it brings.
On Easter, I celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. And I also celebrate the promise given to me of participating in his resurrection. Death has been defeated and is no longer something to fear. Praise God for the living hope he has given us. And for the inheritance that is kept for us in heaven.
