That's an understatement!

Each week, we take time to gather together and take the Lord’s Supper.  We partake in the emblems that represent the body and the blood of Jesus, his sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins.  Three days after Jesus died on the cross, he rose from the grave.  Matthew (28:6), Mark (16:6), and Luke (24:6) all use the same wording.  They simply say, “He has risen.”  This makes my list of “Understatements in the Bible”, things stated very simply, but are cause for great celebration.  Jesus was dead.  It was over.  That was it.  But if it ended there, God’s plan for salvation would not have been complete.  Jesus needed to conquer death in order for the plan to be complete.  Matthew 28:6 says it all, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”  It’s easy to skip over the full meaning of what has happened here, because it is put so simply.  Today is a great opportunity to give the statement, “He has risen,” the attention it deserves.  This is cause for GREAT CELEBRATION, PRAISE, and THANKSGIVING.  Take time to thank God for sending Jesus, for the sacrifice of Jesus, and for raising Jesus after death on the cross.

Father in Heaven, holy are you.  Thank you God for sending Jesus here to Earth as a human to be an example of how we need to be.   Thank you God for having Jesus show us what it means to love our neighbor, to forgive those that sin against us, and to put our faith in you, God.  Thank you for the sacrifice that Jesus made, the blood that was shed, the life that was given.  Thank you God for raising Jesus after he was dead to show that death had no hold over him.  We praise you Father for your plan for salvation, the promise to be with you in Heaven for eternity, and allowing us to approach You, talk to You, and praise You.  It is in your son’s name that we pray, AMEN! 
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~ Tim Carr