Just When Hope Seemed Lost

There’s nothing as defeating as death! There’s no more reason to hope - it’s over and done, and that’s exactly how the followers of Jesus felt. All they were left with was the cruel rule of Rome… except… His words… they stirred in their hearts…  “After three days I will rise again.” They weren’t fully understanding if He meant literally? Or in Spirit? But in the midst of all the heartache, grief and confusion, His words, like an Anchor, remained.

“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought 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, that was very large, had been rolled away.” Mark 16:1-4

“As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man 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.” Mark 16:5-6

Those words that stirred were true! His promises were true! Jesus appeared to them all, even revealing the scars in His hands and side. There was no doubt, Jesus had conquered death. Hope wasn’t lost but found in its fullness in the person of Jesus! “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Friends, this event changes everything! We now have direct communication with God, where we find a loving Friend, ready and eager to forgive our sins. The fear of death no longer grips us, for it has been conquered and we are forever safe with Him. Eternal life in Heaven is now our real Home, full of everlasting joy and a peace - so wonderful we’ve never known it before. Oh, the joys that await us because we are heirs together with Him!

“God is so good! And by raising Jesus from death, He has given us new life, and a Hope that lives on” (1 Peter 1:3).  Hope is alive! His name is Jesus. And He’s coming again!

(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)