Sunrise is set for 6:23 a.m. in Norwalk, California. And I already know that the tomb will be empty! We will gather with a few people (observing social distancing and appropriate numbers) for our sunrise “Sonrise” service, beginning at 6:15. What a great victory celebration, as our LORD Jesus Christ “…having spoiled principalities and powers, … made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:25 KJV). And all of the victory came by way of the Cross, which, while we glory in it (Gal 6:14) we are thrilled that the resurrection has put the physical and emotional pain, as well as the humiliation of the Cross behind us forever! Romans 6:10 “For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.” YEA !!! Let the good times roll!
But it’s not all fun and games. It wasn’t for Paul & the apostles, and it’s not for us either.
“… must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas? Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood? Is this vile world a friend to grace, to help me on to God? Sure I must fight if I would reign; increase my courage LORD; I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by thy word!” (I left out the first two stanzas of that great song, and include them here now) “Am I a soldier of the Cross, a follower of the Lamb? And shall I fear to own His cause, or blush to speak His name?”
The Cross of Christ is not only our victory, but is also our deliverance from man’s greatest and ultimate widespread fear “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He (Christ) also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;” (Hebrews 2:14) And we can add to that thought 1 Corinthians 15:26 “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” Christ has destroyed everything that is against us through His victory on the cross, and that “openly” as in “The stone was rolled away” and the Empty Tomb is there for all to view. Praise the LORD!
But today, Death still stalks us, our families, and our friends, whether Christian or not. We are all fighting that physical fight here on earth, just some more intensely than others. Please keep them in prayer. And please keep the enemies of the Cross in prayer as well, as death to them has a far greater finality to it than it does for us. It is the difference between promotion and perdition!
An execution followed by an Empty Tomb. Death followed by Life. Inexplicable loss followed by ultimate Gain. What appeared to the greatest and ultimate defeat, followed by the greatest Victory in the history of the world!
WOW!! Why wouldn’t we celebrate!!
Love and Prayers to you all,
Pastor
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