This past week America experienced yet another horrific shooting that involved the murdering of young children. Such senseless loss is heartbreaking. Every day, news outlets are filled with stories that demonstrate the depravity of a society that is spiraling out of control. The sheer weight of such evil can be overwhelming. Yet, even in the face of such tragedy and wickedness, we have hope. This is something we must never forget.
Our joy and hope, the certainty of eternal salvation with our Lord, was perfected two thousand years ago when Jesus Christ took our sins to the cross and three days later rose from the dead, conquering death itself. Jesus, the Lamb of God, did the work that we could not accomplish and took our sins and our punishment upon himself. This is the Good News—we have redemption through Jesus Christ.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. —Philippians 2:5-11
In Christ, we serve a risen Savior, the King of Glory and Everlasting Lord. As children of the Most High, this is the confidence we share. Despite our circumstances and a world that seems to be unraveling at its seams, we can know with certitude that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God.
As we commemorate Holy Week and the resurrection of our Savior, let us not overlook the depth of assurance we hold each day of our lives. Yes, it is good to devote a special time of year to reflect on and rejoice in what God has done for us. Yet, we can't allow the reality of our hope and joy to be reserved for a few special days. Every day is an opportunity to live and share the Good News that now resides within us. Our country and world desperately need to experience this living and enduring hope.
These are, indeed, challenging times. However, Jesus has claimed victory over our most difficult days, and His victory is ours. Let's ensure the world knows this truth: He is risen!
