Christ our hope in life and death As we approach Easter, our thoughts turn to the Cross where Jesus died. It is still such a powerful image even in our society today, displayed on many of the churches where Christians gather and for some, as a personal reminder in the form of a chain worn around the neck. As those who regularly read and listen to God’s word spoken from the pulpit, whatever the passage we are studying or listening to – it points to the cross. It points to the necessity of Jesus dying there, to take upon himself the multitude of our sins. From the very first chapters of Genesis through to the final verses in the book of Revelation we are directed to the one who would go to the cross to die a sinners death.
Yet in Jesus Christ we have one who was without sin and who was able to defeat death in glorious resurrection which we celebrate on Easter Sunday and every day thereafter!. Not only that, but also the promise that He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Our bibles end with that verse in Revelation 22:20b ‘Yes I am coming soon’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. It is always a time of great sadness when we hear of the death of someone in our family, our church fellowship or a close friend. It is we who remain here who are left to grieve and mourn their passing whilst we can say for those who have put their trust in Jesus they are now with Him. The bible expresses it beautifully in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
So as we look towards Easter, it is a powerful reminder that we mark not only the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, we also can look forward to that seal of eternal life with Him that he graciously grants to those who have fallen asleep in Him. There is an old hymn that opens with this verse; What joys will crown that happy hour When in the air the Lord we meet And triumph o’er infernal power With Satan bruised beneath our feet. (J Swain) I pray that as you come to worship this Eastertime, you will be able to give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ not only for sins forgiven but for death defeated and the promise of eternal life.
Stuart
Elder
May 2026
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