From the Archive: The Resurrection Message
“Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen . . . “
Luke 24:5-6
Angels preached that first Easter sermon. Their congregation was a few sorrowing women who had come to anoint Jesus’ earthly body for burial — only to find an empty tomb. The angels continued: “. . . remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee . . . The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” (Luke 24:6-7)
Angels can herald the coming of the Christ Child; they can declare His resurrection; they can even explain His disappearance through the clouds at the ascension. But angels can never describe the glorious transformation that occurs when a sinful human life is miraculously changed from death to life! Angels have never experienced humanity’s sinful nature manifested by hate, guilt, shame, pain, suffering, sorrow, anguish, torment, defeat, and finally death; and so, they have no salvation story.
That is why Christians — and not angels — take this powerful life-changing message to the world. Those first hearers forgot their reason for being at the tomb as their hearts filled with instant joy and hope! They felt compelled to carry this good news to their fellow disciples as quickly as possible.
After two thousand years, the good news we must carry to our lost world has not changed: Jesus Christ is alive for ever more . . . the tomb is empty . . . those who call upon His name shall be saved! Amen.