Easter – Hope when fear and frustration abound

We are living in a world that is frustrated and afraid. You feel it every time you hit the petrol pump, and you see it in the daily headlines of war and the spiraling cost of living. Fear rises in our hearts because we don't know what’s coming next. We prefer to be in control, and when we realise we aren’t, we fear. When we can’t change our circumstances we get frustrated. 

But Easter Sunday announces that there is hope for a world in fear. There are answers beyond just getting frustrated. Easter contains a message for people who don’t know what is coming next in life or in death.

Matthew 27 tells a story of fear and frustration. It starts with a dead Jesus and a lot of terrified people. The religious leaders were afraid of a ruse. The women were walking to the tomb in fear. The disciples had locked themselves in a room, terrified that the fate of their Master would soon become theirs. The situation looked hopeless.

But then everything changed in a moment.

Jesus was dead. BUT GOD raised him up.

Jesus was in a tomb. BUT GOD brought him out.

Guards were protecting the way and a stone blocked the entrance. BUT GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD.

This isn't a philosophical concept; it is an evidence-based, historical reality. And that reality is a paradigm changer. You see, if you live only for this world, for your own security, your comfort, or your balance sheet, then right now, you have every reason to be afraid. If you grasp hold of "the now" as ultimate, it will always disappoint and frustrate. 

The truth is, our world is broken, wounded, and troubled. Our rejection of God, the decision to try living our own way and ignoring Him, has left us spiritually dead. But in the resurrection, God draws near. He calls you to see the world the right way up.

Jesus rose to declare that you can be right with God. He offers a future that is secure, no matter what happens to the economy. 

Trusting Jesus doesn’t mean we ignore the troubles of this life, but it means we can respond to them without fear because our future is secure.

So Easter invites us in. It says, God has come, fear no more. God is coming, frustration will end. Stop living life driven by fear and start living with Jesus and his resurrection as your focus. Because right there you will find the hope that truly lives.

See you Friday and Sunday.