The disciple’s expectations, their anticipation of Jesus’ continued influence on the earth dramatically changed on the Cross of Calvary. With the realization of the crucifixion, their hopes were shattered. Christ’s followers initially dispersed; their future was confused. Darkness prevailed on the earth as Christ hung on the Cross, and as He suffered, bled, and died. It seemed the opposition had been victorious as the One they followed was silenced and placed in the darkness of the tomb. Then, everything dramatically changed on the third day. The tomb was empty; Jesus had risen! He who was dead was alive; death had no power; the grave could not keep Him. Christ gained victory over death, the grave, the enemy!
Jesus was alive, and in His resurrection came a resounding hope never before known. Because He lives, as believers in Jesus Christ, we also live. We are no longer bound by the chains of sin and a hopeless future; no longer rightly condemned to an eternal death. “Blessed be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1.3-5). Everything changed because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have true hope. Our hope is secure; our hope is unchanging; our hope is living; our hope is founded in Him who has always been and always will be; our hope looks forward to the glorious and victorious return of Jesus Christ! May we ever be thankful for our new life in Jesus Christ, knowing we live because He lives, because He gave us life. May our voices, our lives, be ever filled with confident and vibrant praise to our risen and ever living Savior and Lord as we anticipate His certain return.
Having a living hope – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 