Easter! Three days after “It is finished” came “He is Risen!” Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins was accomplished on Good Friday and on Easter came his triumphant return to  life.  His victory over death was completed and because of what he did, so is mine.

Oh, how I have celebrated that gift. In my life I cannot count how many Easter services I have attended where I left with “I know that my Redeemer lives!” still ringing in my ears. I answered the traditional, “He is risen” greeting with the response, “He is risen, indeed!” as I rejoiced with fellow Christians. There was the early rising to get to church to practice with the choir and help ready that always delicious Easter breakfast.

And then the gatherings in different places with so many other family members. Those days were filled with fellowship and meals and Easter candy and fun.

This Easter those things are not there. But for me that is OK. I am better aware this year that Easter is not about those parts of my memories of Easter. The words of Job have taken on an even deeper meaning  “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives” (Job 19:25).

He lives: Because he lives my eternal life is guaranteed.

He lives: Through his life, death and resurrection, my most serious problem was solved. Surely my Savior will bring me and all I love through what is happening at this time.

He lives: However I celebrate today, as long as I have the Word, the message is just as thrilling.

He lives: And because he lives, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powerful forces, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39 EHV).

Strangely, looking back to the first Easter evening, the disciples were also shut away in a room together–not able to leave that place. They were fearful but Jesus came to them to prove he had risen and calmed their fears.

Today, I pray through the Word or online services, or talking about Easter with those you can, that Jesus enters your heart with not only the joy of his resurrection but also the peace of his presence in your life.

“I know that my Redeemer lives”

Simply put in this song that Jesus is our living hope. A wonderful song about what happened on Easter.