The Hope of the Resurrection

As we head into Easter weekend, many will gather, albeit virtually, to celebrate the risen Savior and His gift of hope for a new life. During this time of confusion and uncertainty, many are searching for a sense of hope. So, here on Good Friday, I want to reflect on God’s promise of redemption and hope made manifest through Jesus’ resurrection.

What we hope for vs. What we hope in.

On that first Easter, believers in Galilee awoke with a sense of hopelessness in their hearts. Three days earlier, their leader, the One whom they thought had come to free Israel from the reign of the Roman empire, had been executed. Their hope was for something temporary, an earthly kingdom. They had not yet discovered the eternal hope found only in Christ.

We put our hope in the resurrected Christ

Imagine the surprise and overwhelming hope that must have washed over the women as they approached the empty tomb, only to find God’s angelic servant sitting next to Jesus’ perfectly folded burial garments. The hope they uncovered at the empty tomb was that of eternal hope and a heavenly Kingdom. Their hope quickly spread to the other believers as word traveled that Jesus had risen. He is alive!

Hope does not disappoint us.

For a short time, hope seemed lost because Jesus’ followers did not know the end of the story. Even though Jesus promised that He would rise again, His disciples let anxiety overtake them. During this time, let us cling to another of Jesus’ promise in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

While we hope for the best as this unusual season continues, we know our home on this earth is only temporary. The eternal hope found in Jesus’ resurrection is the antidote to hopelessness. We can go in confidence, with our hope firmly in the resurrection of Jesus and His almighty power.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13