Easter Sunday Meditation

“Because I live, ye shall live also.” John 14:19

There is one word in that verse that carries great weight: “because”. It is a word of explanation, a word that gives meaning to what follows. Why can the believer have hope? Because Christ lives. Why can the trembling soul find peace? Because Christ lives. Why can the broken-hearted face tomorrow? Because Christ lives.

When Jesus spoke these words, His disciples were troubled and afraid. The shadow of the cross was near. Their hearts were heavy, and the future looked dark. Yet the Lord did not leave them in despair. He gave them a promise that would carry them through sorrow, through grief, through persecution, and even through death itself: “Because I live, ye shall live also.”

That is the Easter message. Christ did not remain in the grave. The empty tomb is heaven’s answer to every question of fear and every burden of guilt. He died for our sins, and He rose again in triumph. The grave could not hold Him. Death could not conquer Him. The world could not silence Him. He lives, and because He lives, there is forgiveness for the guilty.

We all need that forgiveness. We are sinners by nature and by practice, and if we stand before God in our sins, we cannot stand at all. But the risen Christ offers pardon to all who will trust Him. The empty grave tells us that His sacrifice was accepted, His work was finished, and salvation is sure for every believing heart. There is comfort here for the conscience and peace for the soul.

There is also comfort for the future. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. Some face illness, some face loneliness, some face sorrow, and some carry the quiet fear of what lies ahead. But because He lives, the future is not empty. It is held in the hands of the living Christ. Therefore we may face tomorrow without panic and without despair. Because He lives, all fear is not gone from the world, but it need not rule the heart.

There is comfort too for parents, for children, for every household that looks ahead with uncertainty. A newborn child is a precious gift, but no parent can promise what the years will hold. Yet Christ can. Because He lives, children may face uncertain days with hope. Because He lives, families can rest in His care.

And then there is the comfort beyond the river. One day we shall all cross from this world into eternity. But for the believer, death is not defeat. It is the doorway to glory. We shall see the lights of glory, and we shall know that He lives.

That is why life is worth the living just because He lives.

But Easter also brings a challenge. Have you trusted Him? Is Christ your Saviour? Do not merely admire the empty tomb. Come to the living Christ. Ask Him for mercy. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.

Lord, grant us faith in Thy risen Son, and let us live in the joy of His victory. Amen.