Unimaginable pain turned to glorious hope.
The day after any momentous event can be surreal. It may be full of reflection that incites a wide range of emotions. Take the 9/ll attacks, for example. I still remember exactly what I was doing when, along with the rest of the world, I watched in disbelief as the TV captured the unfolding activity. Jets flew into the Twin Towers. The World Trade Centre collapsed. The streets of New York City resembled a war zone.
Yet somehow, despite the horror and the grief, the aftermath included story after story of sacrifice and rescue. Amid unimaginable pain, these stories incited hope.
Good Friday was a day unlike any other in history . For those who followed Jesus, the man whom they had come to trust and love now hung on a cross. After three years of healing both body and soul of those who believed, Jesus was dead. His body lay wrapped and buried in a tomb. His ministry seemed a thing of the past.
It all seemed so pointless.
But then, Jesus appeared. He appeared to the women at the tomb, to the twelve disciples, and to a crowd of 500. He appeared to Mary Magdalene, to Peter, and to the two on the road to Emmaus. Jesus had risen from the dead, just as he said.
Unimaginable pain turned to glorious hope.
The Apostle Paul wrote: If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:19-22
These verses form a larger argument presented by the Apostle Paul. In this chapter, he plainly explains why the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. Without the resurrection, faith is empty. Hope is temporary. Life has no hold over death. However, Jesus is the “first fruit,” a guarantee that more is to come. His resurrection is proof that all who believe will also be raised from the dead.
Our faith is a guarantee. Our hope is assured. Death is not the end.
When we face difficult circumstances or struggle with the evil all around, it’s hard to see past the pain. Suffering can feel much like the sorrow of Friday before the joy of Sunday. We may be full of doubt, discouragement, and despair. Our faith may seem weak. Our fears may overwhelm. The story of the resurrection tells us that what seems excruciatingly painful can be deeply purposeful. What seems confusing can be a lesson in trust. What seems like defeat can be turned into victory.
As the hymnist wrote,
“Oh death! Where is your sting? Oh hell! Where is your victory? Oh Church! Come stand in the light, The glory of God has defeated the night!” (Matt Maher)
To be “Easter” people means to live in light of all Christ has done, even when the shadows remain. It’s the celebration that will carry us through today, tomorrow and the rest of the year.
It’s the truth that will lead us forward and carry us all the way home.
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:56-58
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