But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the
dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If
there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And
if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your
faith.
1Corinthians 15:12-14(NIV)
When the sun goes down, darkness covers the entire
earth. The warmth of the sun is gone. We are left in the cold. When Jesus
died and was placed in a borrowed tomb, the disciples lost hope. The prophet
that they had followed was gone. All that was left was the memories of the
ministry that they shared with the Master. For three days it looked like Satan
had won the battle. The Son-of-God did not give up that easily. On the third
day the Son rose, and everything changed. When the sun rises, events are
changed forever.
First event that happens when the sun rises is the
forgiveness of sin.
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for
many for the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26:28 (NIV)
Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the matter
of sin was finally defeated. He knew that we have a natural desire to do things
our own way. We want to be master of our own plans. We are pulled from one
desire to the next. Never thinking or considering what Jesus would want us to
do with our lives. On our own we could never be good enough to please a Holy
God. We need some help. Jesus helped us to restore a relationship with God.
He took our place of punishment so that we could be clean before God. It is
through His sacrifice on the cross that we can be free from sin.
Jesus wants to rescue you from those desires that do not
line up to God's will. He believes in you and prays (intercedes) to
God-the-Father for you. Our own desires do not line up with what Jesus wants
for your life. God's plans for your life are amazing, and He wants you to
choose the right path. Let go of all those bad feelings, wrong attitudes and
habits that keep us feeling trapped. Ask God to forgive you when you make a
mistake that will displease Him. He will always forgive and forget, that is
part of His special nature.
When we are forgiven of sin we can be free. God can use
us. Not full of stains that have been collected over a lifetime. We can
finally clean out that heart that is quite dirty. Dust, cobwebs and spiders
fill the open spaces. A little bit of God's love can change the real estate in
your heart. You are no longer a vacant lot, but a valuable piece of property
where the Holy Spirit dwells. With the Holy Spirit as part of your life,
extraordinary events will happen.
Second event that happens when the sun rises is faith
restored.
He is a Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are
just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is
he.
Deuteronomy 32:4(NIV)
Have you ever had someone lie to you? Promise you
something? You wait and realize that you were foolish to believe. If others
have hurt you, it is easy to believe everyone is going to leave you stranded. A
false conclusion based upon hurtful past events. Perhaps the disciples doubted
if Jesus was really going to rise from the tomb. Doubt probably filled their
mind. A lot can happen in three days. Friday was a day of doubts, and Sunday
was a day of praise. On Sunday, the disciple's faith was restored again. Jesus
was the Son-of-God, and nothing was impossible for Him. We need to constantly
be reminded of how great and powerful God is today. This can help to increase
our faith level.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of
what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1(NIV)
God has a way of giving us a little bit of information
that will light our path. Perhaps you were a little bit depressed. You tell
God and wait. An old friend stops by the house and cheers you up. He has a way
of letting you know he is there and looking out for you. He knows all about
your hardships, pain and personal struggles. Those mountains that seem too
large to climb. Take time out of your busy schedule and talk to God. He will
always be there to help. The more that we talk to God and see Him answer
prayers, the greater our faith grows. We will see God in a more personable
intimate light, like a friend who will always be there.
Life is not always happy. We face many unpleasant
elements such as: death of a loved one, injuries, sickness and loss of income.
No matter what happens, we must have hope. That bright shining light that
motivates us to keep moving. My light is God. He is always there shining hope
in the darkness. A constant light that will shine on me no matter what
happens. A welcomed warmth that will remove the chill from the coldest of
days.
Third event that happens when the sun rises is
absolute truth.
Jesus answered, "I am the way the truth and the life. No
one comes to the Father except through me..."
John 14:6(NIV)
If I say something is true, does that mean for everyone?
No exceptions? Yes!! The Bible is true for everyone, even in the remotest
parts of the world. The Scriptures are God-breathed and declare a standard of
righteousness. What was true for the disciples is still true for me. I walk in
the same footsteps as many who realize that Jesus is the only way to God. There
are no shortcuts, or other paths. Jesus is the door that I must pass through in
order to get to God. If you choose to walk in the truth that the Scriptures
taught, then you will be free. There are a lot of groups saying they know
another path, but do no be fooled. They will just add more weight and
bondage.
The light of truth erases the darkness of guessing and
superstiton. We know the path to take that will lead to life. The path that
includes the cross is the proper path. The cross is why we are free today.
Most of the Bible can be connected to the cross. We will have a safety harness
to fasten our life to. We will know the right answers to life's most
challenging tests. The truth will set you free. A truth that will keep you
safe.
Nothing ever stays the same. Do you remember those funny
clothes and hairstyles of High School? Burn those photos. You may think God's
Truth is outdated. It is not. He never changes and is still amazingly
current. Our desires, fears and insecurities are timeless. The heart of
mankind stays constant. Throughout the years, mankind has tried to find things
to fill the void in his life. Money. Popularity. Status. All these ideas
have failed. The only way you can find contentment is through Jesus. He did
all the work for you on the cross. Your only job is to believe and accept what
Jesus did on your behalf.
Conclusion
The empty tomb means a promise that was fulfilled. He
died on the cross and rose from the grave for you, so that you can be free and
experience true joy. The rest is up to you.