April 2006

“The Hope for All Time!”

The disiples could not believe their ears. The story the women ran to tell them was impossible. It was utter nonsense. Their teacher, their Lord, their friend had been crucified. His body had been placed in Joseph's tomb. He couldn't be alive. This was just one more confusing event after a whole week of chaos. The supper, the garden, the betrayal, the arrest, the trial, the walk to the cross, the crucifixion; everything had happened so quickly. What could possibly happen next? Their dreams for the future, their plans for the nation of Israel were shattered. How could they have been so wrong about Jesus. He was the Messiah, he was going to bring the new kingdom to be on earth. But now there was no hope........
Or maybe there was.

The women kept insisting that Jesus' body was gone and that angels had spoken with them. There was only one way to find out for sure. So Peter got up, ran to the tomb and found only the strips of linen lying by themselves. (Luke 24) He still wasn't sure what had taken place, but what he did find was renewed hope. When Jesus came and said, "Peace be with you," the presence of the risen Christ brought hope for today and for eternity.

It is on the basis of the hope we have in the risen Lord, that we too face each and everyday, no matter what comes. We are in the midst of conflict in may parts of the world. It is not the first crisis in our world nor will it be the last. We need to realize resurrection reminds us of God's miraculous power and eternal plan for each one of us. Jesus Christ, by his death and resurrection, conquered sin and death. It holds no power over us anymore. We do not need to live in fear during times of great uncertainty, because of God's power. It's time once again to know that our hope is in our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39b)

What are you putting your hope in today? Please know that the present and the future are in the hands of God. Put your trust in him. He is Risen! He is the Hope for all time!

Pastor Craig