Resurrection is both good, and terrifying news!

Resurrections are great news because they happen so rarely. But because it is so unexpected, the resurrection of Jesus is the greatest and most significant event in the history of mankind.

The Bible records only a mere 10 separate resurrection miracles. It is something rare, something unusual, something marvelous, something exciting and something wonderful.

The resurrection of Jesus was entirely unexpected. It was also entirely different from the other 10 resurrections, because later on all the others died again, but Jesus lives forever. His ascension to heaven testifies that he lives at the Father’s right hand and rules and reigns over everything and that he is the Head of the Church, forever.

The resurrection is great news, because death no longer rules and loss is no longer irreversible.  The sting of death was removed. Death was reversed.  Jesus was crucified. But now "He has risen!" Disciples who were scattered and confused and without hope because of the crucifixion, became enthused and excited about Messiah Jesus again.

But the resurrection is not only good news.  It is also terrifying news.

When our culture thinks of Easter it thinks of Easter candy, bunnies and colorful eggs. Easter is for many a time for new clothes and holidays and celebrations.

But when we think of the resurrection of Jesus we should be filled with a sense of awe, fear, terror, astonishment, amazement, and reverence. We know we are in the presence of an unexpected event that removes death's sting and takes away death's loss.

So what is so terrifying about the resurrection? Someone said that the only two certain things in life are death and taxes. But now death does not look so certain anymore.  Jesus rose from death and promised us that we too will be raised.

So, to be true to the Gospel means that after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the church has to speak out with a frightening message and a terrifying call: Your life does not end in death! You now have to consider the eternal consequences and purposes of your life.  

The resurrection story ends only on the day of our own resurrection! The resurrection story will only end when those who died with Christ at the cross are raised to a new life with him and in him.  It ends when we put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature and instead put on the new self of love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  

The story of the resurrection of Christ is completed in the lives of those who know that the resurrection is more than rare and unexpected:

It removes death's sting and takes away death's loss.

And it urgently calls us to be ready to live the resurrection life of Jesus, here and now, and for all eternity!