Steadfast Love: Victory Day

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 & John 20:1-18

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

“Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping?” John 20:15

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Today is a day of joy and victory! Our Lord Jesus Christ has conquered the power of death, showing that all power belongs to God. While other forces may oppress and intimidate people, God’s power transforms and restores life. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Today is Resurrection Day! Today is Restoration Day! It is the fulfillment of God's promises and the victory over sin and death. Resurrection is not just an event in history; it is the defining moment of our faith and the foundation of our hope.

The resurrection signifies victory over death. The disciples and followers of Jesus witnessed His crucifixion, leaving them feeling as though all hope was lost. After Jesus was laid in the tomb, a stone was rolled in front of it. The great news of the Resurrection ultimately confirms Jesus' divinity and the reliability of His promises. Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke repeatedly about His death and resurrection, as noted in passages like Matthew 16:21. He warned them that He would die, but He also assured them that He would rise again on the third day.

The resurrection is no ordinary comeback; it is a victory over the grave. Jesus did not simply come back to life—He rose in glory and power. This is not just a historical fact; it is a life-changing reality. Jesus's resurrection assures us that God keeps His promises. Every promise made by God is guaranteed, and we can trust Him with our lives today. Jesus is not dead; He is alive, and His resurrection demonstrates God's power over death.

Tim Keller once wrote, “The resurrection means that the worst thing is never the last thing.” Jesus’s death, which seemed like the worst possible outcome, was not the end of the story. The resurrection symbolizes that God has the final word of victory. This is a hope-filled reminder of Gospel truth wrapped in resurrection glory! Although the cross appeared to signal the end and the tomb seemed like the final chapter, Jesus rose again, demonstrating that God, not death, despair, or the devil, holds the ultimate power.

In Christ, our story does not conclude in defeat; it culminates in glory. The resurrection is God’s promise that even when life is at its hardest, there is still hope. The tomb is empty, signifying that our future is filled with possibilities. So, no matter what you are facing today, remember that because He lives, the worst thing is never the last thing!

His victory over death means believers will share in this triumph when raised with Him. The sting of death has been removed because, through Jesus, we are promised eternal life. This victory over death is not just about the future; it transforms our present reality. The resurrection signifies that death no longer has the final say. In Christ, we can confront even death itself with hope, knowing that we will be resurrected as He was. For believers in Jesus Christ, the sting of sin and death has been eliminated. As Paul stated, without the resurrection, Christianity would lose its defining victory over sin and death, rendering our faith futile and empty. However, because Jesus is alive, our hope remains secure.

Through the resurrection, we become new creations in Christ. We are no longer bound by our past failures, sins, or shame. In Jesus, we have been given new life, a new identity, and renewed hope. The resurrection is not just a future promise but a present reality. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live differently and to live for Christ. This new life transcends individual transformation; it signifies the birth of a new creation that will one day encompass all of reality, where the Kingdom of God will be fully realized.

Through Jesus’ resurrection, we gain a glimpse of what is to come—when all things will be made new (Revelation 21:5). The resurrection invites us to live now in light of that future reality as we look forward to the day when Christ will return to establish His perfect reign over everything.

The resurrection offers hope in a world where suffering and death often seem prevalent. It assures us that the story is not over and that a new creation is unfolding even now. We are invited to participate in this process through the power of the risen Christ. This is a call to live with a Kingdom mindset, proclaiming that Jesus is alive and that all things are being made new through Him.

As we depart today to celebrate this important occasion, let us remember the glorious truth of the resurrection: Jesus is alive! This victory over sin and death is ours through Christ. Resurrection is not merely an event to remember; it is a reality that transforms us. I encourage you to go out and celebrate the victory of the Resurrection! Let the joy of the resurrection fill your hearts and inspire you to share the good news with others. Live as individuals who have been raised to new life in Christ. If you have not yet placed your trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, today is the day to do so. Come to Him, trust in His resurrection, and receive the gift of eternal life.