He is Risen

Randy Frank Photograph

He is Risen

‘“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again’ ” (Luke 24:1-7).

Angels stood beside the empty tomb to announce that Jesus had risen as He had prophesied that He would on the third day. He had conquered death bringing life, having been resurrected on Easter morning.  Those who believe His power to overcome death into a new life, we too may have this resurrection into His eternal and ever present light. He is the “Light of the world.” “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”’ (John 8:12).  This is a miraculous transformation into a new life in faith through Jesus Christ, Son of God and God. This is what Easter is about, the Pascal, meaning suffering, into Eastertide or equinox bringing the light of day and spring in the most significant event in all human history.

Angels don’t show up a lot in history. They came to announce the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and again on Easter in resurrection over death. “Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do His bidding, who obey His word” (Psalm 103:20).  Yes, angels obey His word and commands, except the fallen ones who will be thrown into the Lake of Fire

Angels announce and angels obey God. They protect believers as well, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11). Gabriel, an archangel announced Jesus birth and even brought Daniel meaning to a vision from God. Michael, the archangel and protector of Israel and also Daniel protected him from the Prince of Persia or Satan who tried to destroy him. Yes, we have guardian angels, but our hope is in Jesus our Savior and Lord who is risen today. He is risen indeed!