Christ is risen. Alleluia. Praise the Lord.
The highlight of our Christian world is Jesus rising from the tomb. This act of God changes everything. Dejection, betrayal, denial, desertion: the disciples were lost and shattered. The one they adored and followed was crucified and publicly ridiculed. But, Jesus rose from the tomb. Everything changes.
Easter is our celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. It is understood as the defeat of the two worst fears of humanity: death and sin. Jesus defeated death once and for all. Death where is your sting? Where is your victory? Death will not bring fear and dread to our lives anymore. In Jesus, and through Jesus, we have life in full - in this world and in the world to come. Praise and thanks to God.
Sin, which has bound and suppressed humanity since the beginning of creation, you too have lost your grip. You will not terrorise and dominate anymore. God has defeated sin through Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. Jesus is the lamb of God, sacrificed on the cross for the sin of humanity. Jesus redeemed us from sin and brought us into a new relationship with God.
Sin, we know you are there, still trying to hurt and influence lives, but you are powerless, for our Lord Jesus reigns supreme forever.
Jesus Christ is risen. Alleluia. Praise God. Christians, get up and share this glorious news with all who will listen. This is the good news of salvation. It cannot be silenced.
Happy Easter, everyone. Jesus Christ is risen. Yes.
In life and in relationships, we must be Christ-like. Jesus was rejected and deserted before the cross. When he met his disciples after death, Jesus was loving, compassionate and kind. Jesus said over and over again: “Peace be with you, receive the Holy Spirit”, and he embraced them.
This Easter, be at peace with all people: be reconciling and be forgiving. Be a new person for your sake. May the Holy Spirit be your constant companion in all your relationships with people, and especially with God.
Happy Easter. Christ is risen. Alleluia. Praise the Lord!
Fakaofo Kaio
Moderator Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand