He is not here; he has risen.
—Matthew 28:6
Jesus began his ministry “to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah . . . the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Mt 4:14, 16).
Three years later that light went out. For three hours, from noon until 3:00 p.m., darkness enveloped both the land and the hearts of his followers as Jesus hung on the cross—the dream of life and light extinguished.
But not for long! Early Sunday morning, at the tomb of the slain Savior, devout women listened to an angel’s words, “He is not here, he has risen.” And with his resurrection darkness was dispelled forever.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
—Bill and Gloria Gaither
Your old life ends at the cross;
your new life begins at the empty tomb.