Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord.”
John 20:8
They say that you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. Today may well be bitter-sweet for many of us as we long to celebrate Easter with our brothers and sisters in person. What a joy it would be to walk into church this morning, shake hands (or even hug!!) our family as we share the joy of remembering our salvation. How I would love to sing some of the great gospel songs and hymns of salvation with others today. To look around at others as we listen to the preaching of God’s word and just imagine how sweet that cup of coffee (and chocolate!) and chat after the service would be! Although Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube are real blessings, there’s nothing like being with somebody in person – we need that personal touch and it’s good to remind ourselves that these restrictions won’t last forever.
The wonderful reality of Easter Sunday is that Jesus is alive and reigns forever.
Jesus’ death and resurrection were not theological or theoretical events. His blood really flowed on the cross and the stone that was rolled away was as real and heavy. Jesus really did come back to life, notice Mary’s words – “I have seen the Lord”.
The wonderful amazing reality of Easter Sunday is that we will all one day see Jesus face to face!
Can you imagine that? The excitement we will experience on that first Sunday back in church after the virus has passed will be nothing compared to the wondrous awe we’ll experience when we see Him face to face. Imagine staring at the face of the one who made you, loved you before time began and died to save you. Does it not put everything in perspective? As Paul said, ‘for me to live is Christ, but to die is gain!’
Today is a wonderful day. Let us celebrate, let us give thanks and more than anything let us worship and give all the glory to Him because one day very soon we’ll be able to say like Mary “I have seen the Lord.”
Steffan Job, Capel y Ffynnon