All Is Well

Didn’t See That Coming

The first rays of dawn were peeking over the hills surrounding the city. Like reluctant children on the first day of school, four women trudged toward the tomb of Jesus. They held aloes and myrrh to anoint the burial wrappings surrounding his body. Their sandals felt lead-filled with each step - a reflection of the burden on their hearts. Jesus was dead. Their messianic hope in Jesus, had been crushed on a Roman cross.

Lumbering along, they discussed how they could move the huge stone blocking the entrance. They couldn’t pry it open, it would be impossible to roll. Besides, soldiers were guarding the entrance. What could 4 women do? ? Why did it matter? Jesus was dead.

The women turned the corner leading into Joseph’s private garden, and the tomb came into view. They froze in their tracks. The tomb was open. Questions raced through their minds as they stood stunned. What had happened? Where’s the stone? Who could have done this? Mary Magdalene ran to get Peter.

The other three crept toward the opening. They peeked inside and were shocked to see Jesus’ burial wrapping, lying fully intact - but completely empty! It was still covered with the 75 pounds of spices Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had applied. [ John 19. : 39-40.] The stiff wrappings maintained the shape and form of a human body - much like a mummy - only slightly caved in. Clearly no corpse was inside. Even more amazing, the cloth which had covered Jesus face lay by itself, outside the sticky wrappings. Somehow the facial cloth had passed through the wrappings! They knew this was impossible, but there it was, right in front of their eyes. They were stunned.

Suddenly, two men stood beside them in the tomb wearing white glowing garments. The women fell to the ground and shook with fear. “Why do you look for the living among the dead? They asked. “He is not here; He has risen” [ Luke 24: 5-6. ]

Today we celebrate this earth-changing, history-making, life-transforming event. The women left and told the disciples, who then told others, who told others. 30 years later, Paul declared that the message of the resurrection “has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven” [Colossians 1: 23].

The greatest movement, with the greatest message, about the greatest Messiah the world has ever known continues to be proclaimed today.

The message of the resurrection is the greatest message in history.

When and how did you first encounter the message of the resurrection? ?

How has it transformed your life? Has it transformed your life?

All is Well

In March 1912, (114 years ago) three members of Robert Scott’s Antarctic expedition sat huddled in an ice hut awaiting death. On perhaps the final day of his life, Dr. Edward Wilson wrote these words to his wife, “Don’t be unhappy .… All is well .… We will all meet after death, and death has no terrors .… All the things I had hoped to do with you after this Expedition are as nothing now, but there are greater things for us in the world to come .… All is well.”

What would cause a man to pen the words “All is well” as he froze to death? Edward Wilson clung to an undeniable confidence that death would open the door to an unending new life. In contrast, Bertrand Russell, arguably the leading atheist of the twentieth century, in A Free Man’s Worship wrote that, the foundation of life itself is built upon “unyielding despair.”

The Apostle Paul wrote this haunting phrase, “We do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Imagine a life without hope —— a life without Jesus. Our greatest hope would be eternal nothingness .… grim, unyielding despair. It's too horrible to imagine.

But Jesus promises life after life to his followers. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul declares, “Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.” 1 Corinthians 15:20. Then he adds , “When our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’ (v. 54 NLT)

In triumph, Paul declares, “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ” (v.57 NLT). This is why followers of Jesus can live in unshakable hope. Through his resurrection, we share in his victory over death.

Quite a contrast to the “unyielding despair” of Bertrand Russell. Instead like Edward Wilson, we cling to God’s promise, knowing that in death we step into the , most amazing life we could ever imagine.

We have the choice to immerse our hearts in hope rather than caving to despair. Hope in Jesus enables us to rise above our circumstances as we soar to a higher level and embrace the hope offered through the resurrection. Even in the worst situations life offers, we can say, “All is well.”

Hope IN. Jesus enables us to say “All is well”

What specific aspects of this world pull your attention away from Jesus and the hope that he offers?

How can you begin to focus more? On this hope today.

Prayer.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the hope you offer, even amid life’s worst circumstances. I opened my heart to you today to receive your gift of life and hope.

Closing Hymn

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today”