The Light of Hope

As the women were headed toward the tomb very early on that Sunday morning, they were worried. How were they even going to begin to do the difficult and painful task of caring for the dead body of their friend and teacher? They had seen the place where his body was left just days ago. They had also seen the huge stone that had been rolled in front of the opening. The tomb was sealed. The rock was heavy. It was early. They had little reason to hope.

The truth was that from the time they had first begun to follow Jesus the promise of hope was often overshadowed by opposition, difficulty and doubt. Jesus taught the Word of God with authority, and the religious authorities questioned his credentials. Jesus fed the hungry, and people accused him of being a glutton. Jesus cast out demons, and they said he was in league with the devil.

Even this last week had been a real roller coaster ride. The crowd had welcomed him just days before they turned on him and called for his execution. How could the same people who had shouted “Hallelujah!” hurl such insults as he hung on the cross? How could one of his own disciples have sold him out? Where were his disciples now? Is this really where their journey of hope had led them?

Their worry turns to amazement as they approach the tomb. A heavenly messenger waits for them with an astonishing message: “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you’” (Mark 16:6-7).

Who would think to look for hope in a cemetery? It is precisely at the point when despair seems most overwhelming that the power of God brings hope to those who are faithful. Nothing is too great for God to overcome—not even death. That is the great good news of Easter.

The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:4-5)

As followers of Christ, let me encourage you to reflect the light of the resurrected Jesus. There are people all around you who are stumbling in the darkness. The One who gives you hope offers hope to them, as well. May those around you see a difference in your life since you have made this journey of hope all the way to the empty tomb.

Christ is risen.

He is risen, indeed!

Alleluia!