May 25, 2025

Pastor Dan Olson

Because He Lives—It is easy to become so engrossed in the details of historical events—who, when, and where—that we miss their significance. For example, consider World War II. For a moment just imagine the Allies had lost. How would the world be different today? What would life be like for those of Jewish heritage? Would we be speaking German? With historical events, you miss out if you focus only on the details because you also need to focus what that historical event means. The Allies won. That means something!
In this season of Easter, it is good we review the details: who, when, where. That reminds us that the resurrection of Christ is not fairytale or fable. It is a historical event. . . the historical event. However, we do ourselves a disservice if we simply recall the historic details of Easter without thinking long and hard about Easter’s significance. Jesus won. That means something! Because he lives, not only is our eternity secure, but we have abundant resources to face the present.
 

We Have Deep and Lasting Joy—Conventional wisdom says that joy is a direct result of circumstance. Our disposition is nothing more than the product of the events, conditions, and relationships of which our life consists. Therefore, it would seem that for our disposition to change, our circumstances need to change. But Jesus offers a joy that is superior. It is not a product of circumstance; it’s a product of Easter. Easter proves that God can take what normally causes people to weep and turn it into what causes people to rejoice. Sin, death, and shame went into Jesus’ tomb. Forgiveness, life, and glory came out. Our risen Savior gives us a joy that remains constant in the highest of life’s highs and the lowest of life’s lows. Because he lives, we have deep and lasting joy.

Because He Lives—We Have Deep and Lasting Joy