Easter reflections - Jesus takes over!

Last Sunday was Palm Sunday. We saw Jesus riding into Jerusalem and taking over the Holy City: He's the Son of David, the King. 

Then we saw him striding into the Temple, chucking out all the stuff He didn't like. He's taking over - He's the great high priest. He sits down in the priests' seat and takes over their authority to teach the people.

Then on Good Friday He comes to the place of judgment, sin and condemnation. But he's come to take over there too - to destroy sin and make an end of our condemnation. 

And on Easter Sunday we see Him bursting from the tomb. He has entered the darkness of death – and taken over! He's not having it any more! He is saying to death, "Your reign is over! I may let you exist a bit longer, but you are not in charge any more. I'm the boss here now."

So here are four reasons to be joyful this Easter Sunday, now that Jesus has taken over:

·        Death is not the end. We are no longer lost in an aimless wandering. Our life is no longer random. We are on a journey to the heart of God, that's our destiny, and because of Easter Sunday, nothing whatsoever, not even death, is going to stand in our way. So we can live lives of passion, commitment, purpose. Eternal life starts now and changes us now in the presence of the Risen One! So be joyful.

·        You can get through any darkness – consider Mary. The risen Jesus knows you personally and says your name as He said hers. I don't know what you are going through… I know all this talk about joy will seem really glib to many people  – "Colin, how dare you tell me that my sorrows are so easily left behind… You have no idea what I have to bear right now." All I can say is – the Cross. Jesus gave it everything. This is not a cheap victory. But it is still a great victory. So be joyful.

·        You can face any challenge – consider the disciples. They are given a job: "Be my witnesses." It's not an easy job, lots of people aren't going to like it. But they can do it because Jesus is with them! Life is an adventure with the risen Lord. So be joyful.

·         You will have peace. The first words of the risen Jesus in next bit of John – "peace be with you." So be joyful.

Wishing everyone a joyful Easter Season, 

Colin.