Jesus’ resurrection more powerful than death

We saw the opposite of God’s Easter victory at work in our world this past week. ISIS terrorists bombed the airport and metro station in Belgium killing 31 and wounding 270. The very word “terrorist” points to fear, or terror. Fear is what we experience when the evil of life is stronger than we are. Fear and terror are what we experience when there is no answer to the trouble and destruction and death we face in this world.

But, this week Christians celebrate the end of fear and the destruction and terror.

Jesus died for the sins of all people and He rose from the dead. In His rising Jesus has defeated sin and Satan and death. For those who believe in Jesus’ resurrection victory we have the presence God’s conquering love in this life. For those who believe in Jesus’ resurrection victory God gives eternal life, not in this troubled world, but in heaven where there is no more death, no more mourning, no more crying, no more pain. (Revelation 21:4) Listen to what God says to us about Jesus’ victory over sin and death and what God’s victory means to our lives:

“On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; 8 he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.” (Isaiah 25:7-8 7)

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5b-6:5)

“Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14: 19 b)

“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6)

“I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1: 18)

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21: 4)

Do you hear the difference that Jesus’ rising from the dead makes? When Jesus rose from death to life this was the most important event in the history of the universe. In Jesus’ resurrection God defeated Satan, good conquered evil, love conquered sin, and life conquers death. And, because Jesus has risen and gives eternal life in heaven to all who believe in Him, we have nothing to fear. There is nothing in this world that overcomes His victory. We can face the terror, the disappointments, the failures, the betrayals, and the illnesses of this world knowing that Jesus has risen and is victorious. So we live in faith and love.

ISIS can threaten injury and even death. That threat can bring momentary fear. Life can cause fear because in our weakness there are problems and enemies we cannot defeat. But Christ has risen. He has overcome sin and death, and all who know Jesus’ resurrection live in this victory.

I pray the victory of Jesus’ resurrection for YOUR life.

Jonathan Rockey is pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer.