Alive In Christ
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” … Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (John 20:18, Col 3:1-2)
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, Hallelujah! You are warmly welcome.
Today’s topic poses the question: how come you are alive? When Mary Magdalene and the disciples found the empty tomb on Sunday morning, they were bewildered; if Mary used today’s language slang, she would tell the story starting: ‘I found the tomb empty and I died!’ She froze and shivered in shock and confusion, before she began talking to herself and anyone she could find, wondering who had carried ‘her Lord’ away! The waiting was long, but she ‘resurrected’ when she recognized the risen Lord Jesus Christ, and her life was completely renewed. Now she was alive again – just because she had seen the risen Lord. She went with the good news to declare the same to the disciples, and this would be the start of a new era in their lives as well. Their dreams had died, their hopes had been dashed to the ground, their lives were doomed; but with the resurrection, they found new life.
At first Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan, but later he mentioned another baptism he would go through, and this turned out to be the baptism in the deep waters of death. Sometimes people are afraid when being baptized by immersion in a shallow pool; it would be more frightening in a river or a lake; but for Jesus, it was the deep waters of death! The fact that God raised him to life in triumph is exciting victory. It was the rebirth to everlasting life. Today’s baptisms are simple and safe, but sacramentally representative of the new birth to life in Christ. The celebration of this Easter will be accompanied by the renewal of baptismal vows as we celebration the new life that the risen Jesus exemplified and gives to all who believe in Him.
How come you are alive? This may sound an odd question, and deserving an answer like, ‘because my heart is pumping’, but deeper though will poke and challenge. To be fully alive requires freedom from the bondages of sin and guilt, and to have a clear sense of hope for the future. These can only settle in our hearts when we receive the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Have you repented of that sin but still feel the thorny pricks of guilt? Have you been disappointed and are gripped with fear of what may happen tomorrow? Today’s celebration of Christ’s resurrection comes with a renewal that should not leave you the same. Having come to Jesus Christ, receive assurance of newness of life; set you mind on things above, and reject the definition of yourself based on past experiences; you are now truly Alive in Christ. Have a blessed celebration of the Resurrection!