Easter Sunrise
Notes
Transcript
1. Awaken to the Empty Tomb
1. Awaken to the Empty Tomb
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men. The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
Grief of death and loss.
Those closest to Jesus were likely afraid they had lost everything.
They gave up their work to follow Jesus, their clients, their friends…
And then their beloved Lord was tortured and killed
And the Maries are going to the tomb expecting to mourn, and to their surprise there was a reason for joy.
The empty tomb wiped the canvas clean. Thus allowing us to re-paint our lives - knowing that death has been defeated.
The death and resurrection were real, physical events.
When we say we serve a risen savior, we mean just that. We serve the one who died on the cross as the propitiation for our sins, and rose from the grave on the third day.
That day is today. Easter.
We have joined out here at sunrise to celebrate together, like Mary and Mary did at the empty tomb.
He. Is. Risen!
And beyond that, he is already going ahead of you, you will see him there.
What wonderful news. Our God, our Lord and savior is alive and right now is at the right hand of the throne, interceding on our behalf. For…
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
I would encourage you today to celebrate our risen Lord with your family, loved ones, and friends.
We are to mourn with those who mourn, AND celebrate with those who celebrate.
On Friday, we mourned. Today we celebrate! Death has been defeated!
PRAY -
Father we are overwhelmed by your love and affection towards your creation. That you love us so much that you would send your son to die for us, and even after he was raised from the dead, to go ahead of us and still be on our behalf. Your love is perfect. Find joy in our celebrations today. Help us to remember that our celebrating is about Jesus, it’s about you! May our light shine brighter than every this day in a world that so desperately needs the love of Christ. Bring people to you, and use our joy and celebrations to encourage those who do not know you to come and say “yes, Lord - I will follow you.”
Amen
