When Jesus revealed himself to the two men in Emmaus during the breaking of the bread, they immediately rushed back to Jerusalem with the wonderful news that “the Lord is Risen indeed…” (Luke 24;34). What joy and wonder they must have felt. What excitement they must have exhibited when they told the other disciples that truly the Lord was risen from the dead!

The message of the resurrection is the most wonderful news that mankind has ever heard. The cross was terrible. The torture and death He experienced on that cross was beyond our comprehension. The burial of Christ’s body was solemn and agonizing for all who followed Him. But the resurrection changed everything! For without the resurrection, the cross means nothing. The Apostle Paul emphasized this when he said: “…if Christ be not raised your faith is vain.” (1 Cor. 15:17). In other words it is hopeless and useless!

But Jesus is alive! The Lord is risen indeed!

Our sin has been paid in full and death has been conquered! And because He lives, we shall live also! Each time we gather as a Body of Believers, we gather to celebrate the fact that “the Lord is risen indeed!” And this day, of all days, Easter Sunday, is a day in which we should rejoice with abandon!

James W. Black