Victory over sin, death, and the grave

Many thoughts come to mind when I think of Easter. I call the upcoming celebration "Resurrection Day." I think of the great sacrifice Jesus made for you and me. I think of the pain, the shame, the agony he endured. He came to give us "life and to give it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

How many of us have "real life?" To be lifeless in our minds, spirits and hearts is a wasted life. That's why Jesus came … to heal the broken hearted. If you are heartsick today Jesus is the Great Cardiologist. He performs heart transplants all the time. The glorious message of the Resurrection Day gives all of us the opportunity to come

alive under the loving touch of Jesus.

The Resurrection is more than an historic event. It is demonstrated every day in the lives of hungry hearts. Receive that life today and resurrect from the deadness of just an ordinary existence. Come alive in Jesus. Miracles happen every day and it could be you today.

The Resurrection is a demonstration of life. "In him was life, and the life was the light of men." (John 1:4) Darkness can never overcome the light. Strike a match in the darkest place and light prevails. Jesus is the Light of hopes, dreams, goodness and faith.

I call the Resurrection "Victory." It is victory over sin, death and the grave. Jesus came in compassion and mercy. He is our champion.

He became human and gave his own life as a sacrifice. I can't fathom such love but my heart is filled with praise and thanksgiving that on the old hill of Golgotha, a man was willing to be nailed to a cross for you and me.

Jesus said, "Because I live, you will live also." (John 14:19) It is God's seal to show it has vanquished the powers of evil and death itself. It's the Resurrection life of Jesus, triumphant over sin, death and eternal destruction.

I believe those who have been laid to rest in a casket are not dead.

They are only through with this earthly body. They have simply been transformed. Those who have gone on before us are alive in one form of life and we in another. When we cross over into that barrier it won't be into death. It will be into life made possible through the incredible love of Jesus.

I believe we are travelers in this journey of life. Because of Jesus, we can be citizens of another world, a land where there is no sickness or death. It is a world where peace and joy reign forever.

Hallelujah!

He is risen.

He is risen indeed!

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]