Age, sickness and sufferings sometimes knock some senses back into us. Seen from this perspective, adversities in life are useful: they remind us that everyone must die one day.  It’s a matter of when. Death can come upon anyone at any time, regardless of whether you are young or old, rich or poor, healthy or sick. My point is: we must be reminded that we can die anytime even if we were still young and healthy. Newspapers evince the fact that death can catch anyone unprepared. In fact, a person who is sick may live longer than a healthy person. 

But do not be mistaken or annoyed. I bring you good news. About two thousand years ago today, Jesus Christ rose from the dead after having died three days ago. He conquered death. He promises us this: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25). Thank and praise God. If you have received Jesus as Saviour, this promise belongs to you: you will die but you will rise from the dead and receive a body that will never die or fall sick again. It will be a new body, a perfect physical body. 

Jesus was nailed to the cross at about 9am on Friday and died at about 3pm the same day. But on Sunday morning, he rose from the dead. This is a sure fact. First, His tomb became empty on the third day after he died. This was impossible because the tomb was guarded by elite Roman soldiers. But the historical fact remains: His tomb is empty. Second, three days later, many people at different times saw Him alive. At one time, over 500 people saw him alive. Third, this explains why His disciples, who ran away when Jesus was arrested and nailed to the cross, suddenly became so courageous three days later. They preached Jesus, even to the point of being willing to die for Jesus. Fourth, this also explains why people who believe in Jesus become changed people who are able to live a new life. That’s because they have, as the Bible says, the resurrection life.

Death has been swallowed up in victory.
Where, O death, is your victory?
Where O death, is your sting? (1 Cor 15:55)

Hallelujah, Christ is risen! You who believe in Jesus will also rise from the dead and never to die again. The children of God, Christians, are indeed a blessed people. Sickness and death bring uncertainties and sorrow. But these are only temporary sorrows. Every Christian is promised a life of resurrection. But this life of resurrection is experienced not only after you die, it is received and experienced from the moment you receive Jesus as Saviour:

We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His. (Rom 6:4-5)

We thank and praise God. Jesus has risen from the dead. We too will one day rise from the dead. Death has been defeated forever. Believe in Jesus today. Receive the sure promise of eternal life, the resurrection life.