(Mark 16:1-6 NIV) When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Solome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young many dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
This morning we wrap up our “Passion Week” series. I trust you have been blessed, I know I have. This Sunday morning we will celebrate what I consider to be the most important event in history… the Resurrection of Jesus the Christ. People who don’t normally go attend church services will attend on Sunday, parents will dress their kids with colorful clothes, children all over the country will participate in Easter egg hunts, eggs will be painted and hidden, children will laugh and have fun, and then on Monday morning people will go back to their lives. However, what we celebrate on Sunday has nothing to do with Peter Cottontail, or eggs, or bright colors. I am against Easter eggs – I will let my son participate in our neighborhood Easter egg hunt on Saturday – but make no mistake, Sunday is not about that at all. It’s about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The death, burial, and most-importantly, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is what separates our religion from every other world religion. We don’t serve an idol. We don’t serve a man. We don’t serve a dead God. We serve a Living Savior… Jesus is His name!
It has been over 2,000 years now since Jesus conquered death and although many have tried, no one has ever been able to discount the validity of His Resurrection. As on my mentors, Dr. Charlie Parmer, said it: “The most telling affirmation of the validity of His literal Resurrection was and is the dramatic change that it produced in the lives of those followers. From the weak, wavering, faltering, denying group of fishermen, tax collectors, etc. – the twelve plus the others became the most zealous, faithful, dynamic group who ever lived. They literally became burning evangels for the cause of Christ; and they totally turned the world up-side down for Him over the next 71 plus years. Their doubts and skepticisms became the basis for an aggressive boldness that could not be silenced (Acts 5:42). They were condemned, threatened, imprisoned, beaten, and commanded to be silent; but they just got right back out on the streets and just started preaching Jesus again – alive by Promise, dead by Purpose, Resurrected by (God’s) Power, and reigning for our good Measure and Pleasure!”
So what does this mean to you today? It means that Jesus conquered death so that we could do the same. Jesus’ death and resurrection gave us access to God’s precious Holy Spirit. God’s Holy Spirit in us equips, enables, and empowers us to live in the Spirit of an Overcomer! Jesus endured death, yes, even the death of the cross; but He Overcame it! The disciples endured persecution, struggle, and strain; but they Overcame it! You and I have faced and will have to face storms in our lives from time to time, we may have to endure the struggles and deal with the strain; but you and I, like Jesus and all those Christian conquerors who have come before us, can Overcome it!
If Jesus conquered death, then can’t He equip us to deal with difficult people? Can He not give us the peace to endure difficult situations? Can He not empower us to survive the storms of our lives? Let me give you the answer, Absolutely! If you are a Born-Again believer, then you can face every challenge with the power of the Holy Spirit and with the Spirit of an Overcomer!
Closing Confession: Father, not only did You send Jesus to die in my stead, and not only did He willingly do it, but You also raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus conquered satan, hell, and the grave. Jesus took the sting out of death and victory from the grave. I am no longer afraid of dying. My salvation is secure in You. I know that I will live forever. When I die I will transition from earth to glory and I will forever be with You. For now, I am equipped with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. That power is alive in me. I have the Spirit of an Overcomer. I overcome the world by faith. There is nothing I can’t do when I am doing it with You. Hallelujah! Thank You Father for blessing me to make it heaven some day, but for also helping me to enjoy the ride! You raised Jesus from the dead, You snatched me like a brand from the burning, and You raised my life from destruction to divine destiny! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
