“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” 1 Corinthians 15:17, 19 ESV
What a day! There’s just something about celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ…it’s hard to put into words. From my ride into Raleigh today in the pitch black before the dawn, I could feel it in the air. When the sun broke through the windows high above Dorton Arena as we sang “He loves us! Oh how He loves us!”, I was very nearly overwhelmed. To sing about the RISEN Lord…to sing about His blood shed for us…to sing about His mercy and grace…today…wow. There really aren’t enough words.
HE IS ALIVE!! HE IS RISEN!!! Death is beaten! Sin is conquered! The grave is overwhelmed! HE IS ALIVE!!!
There were so many moments today when the presence of God was palpable to me. Even rehearsing this morning before service, He was there. As the people began to gather for worship, He was there. As we sang about the cross, and about the Spirit of God bringing freedom, and about His reign over all, He was there. Seeing our church together in one place for the first time was absolutely amazing. But two major things stood out to me. One, as the gospel was preached, and lost souls made the journey from darkness to light…amazing! He is STILL raising the dead!!!
But for me personally, when I looked out and saw my wife holding my daughter with one arm, and raising her hand in worship as we sang of just how He loves us…that was the epitome of grace for me today. For if it weren’t for the cross of Christ and the work of Jesus in my life, raising me from death, there is no way that happens. When I looked and saw them, that is a direct result of the grace of Jesus Christ in my life, a living, daily reminder of just how blessed I am. I do not deserve them…I do not deserve the blessing that they are to me. Just as I do not deserve the mercy and grace poured out on the cross for me. But, oh! How happy I am to have them!
Jesus is still changing lives. He is still at work. He is RISEN!!!
Happy Resurrection Day, everyone. God bless.
The Wading Pool 