life beyond death - some Easter thoughts

Today was a beautiful day to reflect on the central truth of our faith: that for our sake Jesus suffered and died on the cross...and that He was raised again by the glory of the Father, never to taste of death again. What a joy to also consider what Jesus' death and resurrection means for us: the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives within us even now. And though it is the human lot taste death, we who belong to Him have the promise that we will also experience resurrection.

The hope of the resurrection seems especially sweet today, as yesterday one of our dear friends was laid to rest. Though her days on earth are over, we know that our precious friend Jo Ann--along with all who belong to Jesus--will one day be raised to a new everlasting life with Him!

The grave isn't the end for any of us who belong to Jesus. He has conquered death. Spurgeon described it well: "Death, the slaughterer of all mankind, before whom kings and princes, as well as the meanest of their subjects, lie prostrate in the tomb—death, before whom giants bend as a rush sways to and fro in the wind—even death is vanquished by Christ! He is the destroyer of destruction, and the death of death! Then what power can possibly stand in opposition to Him? I want to cheer you,dear Friends, in these dark and evil days, with a strong belief in our great Master’s Omnipotence and invincible might. His Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom! With such a hero as He is to lead us on, victory is sure, however stern may be 

the conflict!"

Thanks to Jesus, there is an immortal body to be had once we are done with this one. As Paul wrote, "Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality." (1 Corinthians 15:52-53)

When we went outside to take Easter pictures of the kids this afternoon, John told me, "I want to raise my hands to worship Jesus in these pictures, because of what He did for us." Yes, He is worthy of our worship. He has done great things for us. We will have troubles in this world, but He has overcome the world. And He will make all things new (including us).

Two weeks ago, our last Sunday in Texas, John was baptized.It's been beautiful to see the work that our loving God is doing in the heart of our little boy...the same redemptive work that He has done since the creation of man, and that He continues to do in hearts around the world.

As a closing Easter thought, hear some of Jesus' words of love:

"I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep...My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:9-11, 27-28)