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The Promise of Easter
By Prof. Plammoottil V.Cherian

             Martin Luther once said that, "Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf at springtime. "As we are struggling with the harsh winter, and eagerly waiting for the dawn of the spring, just as the frozen buds of trees will bloom into colorful flowers and leaves-Easter brings promises and hope to the world. Easter is the message of resurrection of our Jesus Christ, which was an undeniable divine event in history. While skeptics may question the validity of resurrection, to the faithful, it is a wonderful news that , "Christ is risen." The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the core of the Christian faith and Christ is the Son of God came down to this world and died on the Cross for mankind and was raised from the dead to give hope of eternal life thru salvation in Jesus Christ.

What was the need for Jesus' death and resurrection?

                The world at the time of Jesus birth was in total confusion and chaos with the aggression of the Roman Empire. It was a multi faith world with Roman paganism, Greek mythological deities, and the idol worship of the Canaanites. Paul characterized that time and generation as "crooked and perverse" (Philippians 2:15) . Mankind was rebellious from the days of Adam and we inherited the sinful> nature as his descendants. "For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). Redemption of mankind, thus was an absolute necessity and was in God's plan when Adam sinned (Genesis 3:15) . The birth, death and resurrection of Christ was not by chance but was of providential plan of God our eternal Father who, "so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16) . God's ultimate plan and pleasure is to say humanity. "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his will and pleasure" (Ephesians 1:4-5). "For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:17) . The first gospel message of Christ was "the time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the good news!" (Mark 1:15) . The birth of Christ brought the good news of the kingdom of God.

Why is resurrection so important?

>            Because Christ was raised from the dead, we know that the kingdom of heaven has broken into earth's history and those who believe in Jesus, those who are washed in the blood of the Lamb, and baptized into the body of Christ can inherit the kingdom of God. Because of Christ's resurrection from the dead, the world has a hope of redemption, and not disaster. God's mighty power of destroying the sting of sin created hope for humanity. While believers are eagerly waiting for the Second coming of Christ, the signs and the events of the present time tell us that the time is fast approaching. Because Christ rose from the dead, we know that death has been conquered and we too will be raised from the dead to live for ever with Christ "Death is the last enemy to be destroyed" (1 Corinthians 15:26) and Christ destroyed it for us. Resurrection gives authority to the witnessing of the Church. In the early Church Apostle's most important message was the proclamation that Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead. Resurrection points us to the only way of Salvation through Jesus Christ. >"I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6). Resurrection brings new hope to the millions of grieving faithful who are broken hearted and suffering because of poverty, sickness, suppression, oppression or injustice.

Do we really Love Jesus?

               After the resurrection, Jesus asked Peter three times whether he loved him (John 24:13-35). Each time Peter responded, "Yes Lord," "You know that I love you." Peter could not stand the pressure and denied Jesus three times the night before Jesus', death. We can easily point out to others as sinners. But we must remember that our hatred, anger, and lack of love and self-indulgence are all denials of Jesus and are sins. All are guilty of denying Christ as the Lord in the vital areas of our lives. We are often not bold in identifying ourselves in times of pressure, and we often compromise to the pattern of the world. We read that two other disciples on the day of resurrection were walking away from Jerusalem to Emmaus, while others were celebrating the joy of resurrection >(Luke24:13-35). They missed the significance of the greatest event in history, because they were focussed on their disappointments and problems. In fact they did not recognize Jesus as he walked with them. To compound the problem they were walking in the wrong direction-away from fellowship of believers in Jerusalem. Many a time walk in the wrong direction, away from Jesus in our actions, words and attitude. We are likely to miss Jesus and withdraw from the strength found in other believers when we become preoccupied with our dashed hopes and frustrated plans. But a loving Jesus stretches his open arms to embrace us and restore us willing to dine with us as he did with Peter and the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Resurrection brings us the hope of restoration and fellowship with Jesus.

Do we have the hope of eternity through salvation in Jesus Christ?

              At the close of the millennium, humanity is more confused than ever. Millions are disappointed for various reasons and many still have not lend their ears to the assurance of Christ that he will lighten their burden. Jesus said, " come to me, all who you labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Mathew 11:28). The heaviest burden one many carry in life is the burden of sin because sin alienates us from God. A life separated from God is fearsome and lonesome. While we may be able to find temporary solutions to some of our problems no one can lessen or remove the guilt of sin except Christ. How can we obtain freedom from sin? Admit our sins and ask for God's forgiveness. Freedom from sin can be attained at the cross of Calvary. He has redeemed us by pouring his blood so that our sins are washed. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; through they are as red as crimson, they shall be like wool" (Isaiah 1:18). Christ's blood will restore us to the joy of God's great salvation. What a promise of hope, resurrection brings to the world!

                The divine power that brought Jesus back to life is now available to us to change our destiny from spiritual death into eternal life. In your daily life we are confronted with many problems. Mary, who went to the sepulchre early in the morning was not able to find the body of Jesus, and was disappointed. A bewildered Mary on that cold morning heard someone asking her as she was weeping, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? Thinking he was the gardener, Mary said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." (John 20:15). And Jesus called her by name, May and she recognized the risen Lord. In our great burden and disappointments in life, we may not be able to see him. Yet the risen Lord is besides us giving us hope and strength. Like Mary, may we desire to carry him always in life? May the hope of resurrection strengthen us to proclaim the good news and the joy of salvation to many not recognize may we desire to carry him always in life? And may we pray, Amen! Lord Jesus.