by Justin Morton
This weekend through the Lads 2 Leaders program, several of our young people and adults were reminded that God is worthy of our very best. Watching so many young people from all over the Southeast give their best while using their talents to glorify God was inspiring. I am so proud of all those from Walter Hill who participated in Lads this year and represented our congregation so well.
I love this weekend every year not only because of L2L, but also because this weekend is one in which so many people across our land celebrate the most life-changing event in the history of our world: the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While we focus on and celebrate the resurrection of our Jesus each Lord’s Day, I am grateful that, at least for today, so many hearts and minds are directed toward this great event.
In Matthew 28, we read about how the women went to the tomb early that Sunday morning. When they arrived, they did not find what they were expecting. Instead of a closed tomb, they found the stone rolled away and an angel of the Lord sitting on the stone. Then the angel spoke some of the most comforting words: “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. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples (Matthew 28:5-8).
In that moment, the angel spoke eight of the most significant words that have ever been spoken: “He is not here, for he has risen.” The women, full of great joy, quickly went to tell his disciples this exciting news. Why were they so joyful? Why go and tell the disciples so quickly? Because those few words the angel spoke changed everything. If Jesus could predict His dead and resurrection as He did, if he could actually raise from the dead, then everything else Jesus said and taught could be trusted. All the promises He made could be taken to heart.
Today we, like so many others, celebrate because the resurrection of Jesus changes everything! It gives us purpose, hope, and life beyond the grave. In Matthew 28, an angel announced eight life-changing words. Those true words must shape not only what we celebrate on Sunday, but how we live every day of our lives. Praise God for Jesus, our Living Hope!