He Is Risen; And What of Us – Sunday, April 12, 1998
The great glad tidings of Easter proclaim, “He is risen!” Throughout the Christian world, bells ring joyously, and congregations sing the good word, “Christ the Lord is risen today!” Perhaps, amid the solemn festivities, we might pause to ask: “And what of us? Have we risen to a fullness of joy in the Easter message?”
The blessings that arise from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are many. But some, in particular, swell faithful hearts to overflowing. The resurrection of the Savior—and the promise that goes with it—calms the haunting fear of death that all mankind experiences. Believers accept the words of Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”1 The apostle Paul explained this truth carefully in his epistle to the faithful of Corinth: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”2 Because of the resurrection, all humanity shall one day arise from death, even as Jesus rose from His tomb almost two thousand years ago.
It is not only the assurance of everlasting life in the hereafter which brings joy. In the here and now, the atonement gives hope, day by day, that men and women can conquer inner weaknesses and failings to become whole and happy. The disciple John states, “[Christ] was manifested to take away our sins.”3 When we are at peace with ourselves, we can live joyously despite obstacles and pain. We can feel the exhilaration of victory and the race well run even while we strain and struggle to conquer external hurdles.
The Easter message brings us the joy of knowing that we do not run our race alone. In that respect, we can understand the feelings of the disciples who, after the crucifixion, thought that their Master was gone forever. Their grief and sense of isolation must have been overwhelming. How indescribably, then, was their joy when the news came: “He is not here; he is risen.” After the anguish of Calvary, His followers saw Him, heard His voice, touched Him. Never again would they be without the comfort of His presence, for that was His final promise: “Lo, I am with you always.”4
Elouise Bell
1New Testament, John 11:25-26.
2New Testament, I. Corinthians 15:22.
3New Testament, I. John 3:5.
4New Testament, Matthew 28:20.
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April 12, 1998
Broadcast Number 3,582