Resurrection Monday

“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.” (Matthew 28: 1-10)

Resurrection Monday can feel like jet lag after a day of traveling. We just concluded 5 worship services and God showed up in a crazy way! Our attendance topped 1300+ for the first time in the history of our church. I never thought we would top last year’s record of 1200+, yet God had something else in mind. What a joy to gather yesterday in worship to praise our King in song, to experience believer’s baptism, and just to stand in awe of Him as we worshipped the Risen Savior. It was MEGA-AWESOME!

Let’s spend some time today reflecting on our relationship with Jesus. We have journeyed from Jonah to Jesus together as Dr. Young so masterfully articulated the intensity of Christ’s passion. We have shared in communion together. We have re-read the biblical accounts. We have wept on Good Friday as our thoughts dwelt on the horrors of the crucifixion. Finally, in great celebration, we gathered in worship to shout from the rooftops that Christ is Risen! He is alive and He is Lord!

Now we come to Resurrection Monday having spent an emotional week in both agonizing sadness and amazing gladness. So today let’s simply ask, “What am I going to do with Jesus?”

How do I know that Christ is risen?
What proof have I to give?
He rescued me from sin’s dark prison
And I began to live.

How do I know He left the tomb
That Easter long ago?
I met him at the dawn’s fresh bloom
And life is all aglow.

How do I know he gained for me
Access to Heaven’s door?
Christ’s work in me is guarantee
Of life forevermore.

How do I know that Christ still lives
Rich blessings to impart?
Abundant grace and peace He gives
and lives within my heart.

Until Next Week,

Dr. Derek