But Sunday

Friday was dark and marred with pain and sacrifice.

Saturday was somber and marked by uncertainty and mourning.

But now Sunday is here.

It’s Sunday, and the stone has been rolled away.

It’s Sunday, as angels ask why they look for the living among the dead.

It’s Sunday, and the women run to share the good news with the disciples.

It’s Sunday, as the disciples race to the tomb to see for themselves.

It’s Sunday, and Jesus appears to His followers.

It’s Sunday. Mourning has turned to dancing.

It’s Sunday. Fear has turned to indescribable hope.

It’s Sunday. He is risen from the dead just as He promised.

It’s Sunday. Forevermore, the people of God can boldly and personally approach Him for forgiveness and help in time of need.

It’s Sunday. Christ, our Savior and Mediator, has risen from the dead.

It’s Sunday. O death, where is your sting?

It’s Sunday. O grave, where is your victory?

It’s Sunday, and it points to an even better day still to come.

It’s Sunday, and it points to a joyful eternity.

Friday was dark, Saturday uncertain.

But Sunday…

Everything changed.

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. - Matthew 28:1-6

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

    “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

    “O death, where is your victory?

        O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. - Hebrews 6:19-20

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:14-16

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. - Matthew 28:19-20

Hallelujah! He is Risen!