Inspirational Message: Celebrate the New Life Christ Gives!

The temporary pleasure we get with some experiences and new things cannot fill the spiritual void in all of us. Only Jesus can do that! He even told us “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Throughout the life of Jesus, we know of no arrogance or self-importance in His behavior patterns. He walked humbly before God and man.

What do we learn from the crucifixion scars on the body of Jesus Christ? We know He could have had any desired resurrected body, but our study of His life would be incomplete without those nail scars on his hands and feet. His pierced side reminds us of the doubts of Thomas when Jesus asked him to stop doubting and believe (John 20:24-31).

Let us continue to thank God for the hope that the resurrection of Jesus brings for now and later for eternity. We find comfort in knowing that Jesus sacrificed His life for us. We are eternally grateful for the price Jesus paid to make salvation possible! Each day Jesus is inviting us to be a part of His story and to celebrate the new life He brings!

Jesus Christ, God’s Son, has made a complete payment on a debt we could not pay. The most wonderful news ever known became alive when Mary Magdalene went to Jesus’ tomb and saw the stone had been rolled away (John 20; Mark 16; and Luke 24). No body was found. At that time, Peter and another disciple did not know that the Scriptures said Jesus would rise to life. Was Jesus seen on earth again? John 20:14 tells us that Mary Magdalene was weeping and complaining about not seeing the body of Jesus. Just as she turned around, Jesus was standing nearby! In John 20, Jesus was seen several times. He was seen by His disciples and by Thomas. Let us ask God for wisdom to understand how His punishment brought us peace and by His wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53). With much gratitude we accept these Scriptures. In Romans 8:28-39, Paul wrote that Christ who died and was raised to life is at the right hand of God!

Let us ask God to help us see His love through Jesus Christ, the risen Christ at work in all circumstances of our lives today. We pray that Jesus Christ will continue to be seen in good and evil times; let us recognize Him always. As we celebrate the empty tomb of Christ, we know that it guarantees victory over every sin and death. There can be a new life of great happiness knowing beyond a doubt that sin will not and cannot win!

Readings from the Gospels will help us in our spiritual journey. The readings will help us understand more about God’s love for us from these Easter stories. We will find words of encouragement and comfort and true peace throughout the year! He is risen indeed!

Mrs. Gladys R. McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.