Second, and equally important, Mary and the others still did not
understand from the Scriptures that Jesus had to die and be raised from
the dead. This was God's plan which, for the moment, was beyond their
grasp. So Mary did not react any differently than you and I would have
reacted had we been present that first Easter morning.
Which photo describes your life?
We see in these verses a distinct before and after picture. We see it
in Mary's life and in the lives of Peter and John. Peter and John were
filled with grief and profound loss before the news of Jesus'
resurrection reached them. Then, when they saw with their own eyes and
believed, grief melted away into joy. I believe it is safe to say their
lives were forever changed.
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It was the same for Mary. Before seeing the risen Lord she was filled
with disbelief and hopelessness. After she saw him and knew he was
alive she was filled with hope and joy. Before and after. Where are
you? Are you living in Mary's before or after picture?
I think many Christians live like Mary did before she realized Jesus
was alive. At least that is the temptation. How does this fact of
Easter change your life? Where do I start? Of course we know we have
peace with God. Easter is the exclamation point on Jesus' last words
from the cross, "It is finished!"
Easter means we have hope in difficult times. That is, you and I can
face grief, disappointment, even tragedy with the knowledge that Jesus
lives! The life he has is also ours! We are never out of his loving
reach or beyond his help, support and intervention.
Because of Easter we also have the supreme confidence that God hears
and answers our prayer. He lives! He lives to answer our prayers for
his glory and kingdom.
Are you a before or after person? Live as though Jesus is alive! In all
things hope and pray and rejoice. Jesus Christ has risen! He is alive
in your life! Happy Easter!
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Sermon brief provided by: Tim McQuade, Loveland Presbyterian
Church, Loveland, OH