It's the first day of a new week. No, it's the first day of a new creation. "He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you" (Luke 24:6). The sun bursts off the eastern horizon again, just as it had done on Friday at early dawn. The difference? Today, the focus is not on long-cast shadows, but dazzling light. 

The women are the first to see it. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Joanna arrive at the tomb with the spices they prepared before the Sabbath. They are here to finish the preparations for Jesus's final burial. On the way, Mark writes that they wondered who would roll the stone away from the tomb (Mark 16:3–4). For a moment, we are just as curious as they are. Shouldn't there be a few men, strong and willing to roll the giant stone away? It doesn't hinder the women. They've learned that faithfulness means trusting in God's provision, even if you don't have all the answers. 

It turns out, they need no men. There are already two men there. They aren't the guards. They're dressed in "dazzling apparel" (Luke 24:4). They break the news first. As often happens in the New Testament, the women are given Good News ("He has risen") followed by clear instructions on how to respond: "Remember how he told you" and "go quickly and tell his disciples" (Matthew 28:7). Good news always demands a response, but sometimes it seems so astounding, it immobilizes us. At the same time, the Gospel is good news that doesn't allow us to keep it to ourselves. It's too good to be kept a secret. It must be proclaimed! 

Easter is a special day for us, but it is not like other Christian days. Christmas reminds us of the day when Jesus was born. Good Friday reminds us of the day when he was crucified. Those days cause us to look back. Today, we should look back at the events of that first Easter Sunday, but as we do, we should also look forward. From that first day of the week to every Sunday after, Christians have gathered to proclaim the good news that Jesus is RISEN! 

For Christians, the truth that Jesus is alive saturates every Sunday, not just Easter. Jesus is no more or less alive today as he was last Sunday or will be next Sunday. So, celebrate our risen Savior today, but also every day until yet a new dawn breaks once again on the New Heavens and New Earth. Dawn on that day will not be broken by the sun, but the Son. Not a single shadow will fall as the light of his glory will shine in every corner of darkness. And we will not be told how to respond. Worship will be an impulse of eternal life for his Redeemed, because Jesus has conquered not only death, but also the grave! 

Our sin has been buried with him, and our lives have been raised with him. A new covenant is in force. It promises eternal life for all those who believe in the power that raised Jesus from the grave. The sovereign plan of God has been totally revealed now. We simply get to participate in it! Join us this morning as we praise our Risen King!

I love you Springs of Grace Family!

Grant Rose
Lead Pastor, Springs of Grace