Easter and Hope are synonymous.
Charles Swindoll
The special day never arrives without its refreshing reminder that there is life beyond this one. True life. Eternal life. Glorious life. Those who live on what we might call the "outskirts of hope" need this reminder. Easter announces it in its proclamation: "He is not here, but He has risen" (Luke 24:6).
I cannot explain what happens, nor do I need to try. The simple fact is this: There is something altogether magnificent, therapeutic, and reassuring about Easter morning. When pastors stand and declare the unshakable, undeniable facts of Jesus’ bodily resurrection and the assurance of ours as well, the empty message of skeptics and cynics is momentarily silenced. As the thrill of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those of like precious faith, flows through the people of God, an almost mysterious surge of power floods over us.
The benefits are innumerable. To list only a few:
-Our illnesses don't seem nearly so serious.
-Our fears fade and lose their grip.
-Our grief over those who have gone on is diminished.
-Our differences of opinion are eclipsed by our similar faith.
-Our desire to press on in spite of the obstacles is rejuvenated.
Felt on the "outskirts of hope" lately? Need some encouragement to keep going? Our broadcast this week has focused on the message of triumph and hope that Easter offers. Remember Peter? With bravado, he swore that he would never deny Jesus . . . until he later swore that he never knew the Man! Jesus’ forgiveness of Peter reminds us that the resurrection is the miracle of love and grace that can also take away our guilt and shame.
Proclaiming the risen Lord is our passion here at Insight for Living! Please remember us in your prayers today, and, if you would, please remember us with a gift to help keep His message of hope on the air.
Thank you in advance.
The truth of the proclamation, He is risen! Takes us from the "outskirts of hope" to the embrace of His forgiving arms. And our identity as Christians is strengthened as we stand together in the lengthening shadows of saints down through the centuries, who have always answered back in antiphonal voice: He is risen, indeed!
Hallelujah He is Risen…….Easter is the transfusion of HOPE…..