Imprisoned for Life (4) - Breaking Out

Two or three weeks into our ‘lockdown’ we are still adapting to the new restrictions. With many more weeks to go, it is beyond most of us to try and imagine what life will look like when we regain our liberty.  

Just before dawn on the first Easter Sunday, Jesus’ disciples could not imagine anything changing. His body was still in lockdown: bound in grave clothes, sealed in a tomb, and guarded by Roman soldiers.  Some of the women who followed Him were on their way to the grave with the fragrant spices needed to finish the embalming process.

Then something astounding happened. There was an earthquake and the Angel of the Lord descended from heaven to roll the stone away and open the tomb. The soldiers were terrified and collapsed as though they were dead. But this was not the most remarkable occurrence. Jesus was raised back to life. He was not just freed from the tomb and the soldiers. He was also freed from death.

As the women arrived they were met by angels who told them:

“He is not here. He has risen!”

Then Jesus started meeting people. First in ones and twos, then groups of ten or more. He was no ghost or hallucination. On one occasion He was seen by a gathering of 500 people. He was physical. He ate. He was the same Jesus. He knew their names. He still bore the scars of His brutal crucifixion.

The power that raised Jesus from the dead would lift Him higher still, up to the highest throne in Heaven - in His human flesh (Eph 1:20). He is seated there, to this day

“...far above all rule and authority and power and dominion,

and above every name that is named...”.

Nothing can now restrict His freedom! “All authority in heaven and earth” belongs to Him. Everything is under His feet and He is head over everything for the church so that

“...for those who love God  all things work together for good, for 

those who are called according to His purpose”.

Though we cannot understand it or explain it fully “everything” includes the terrible pandemic which is sweeping the globe this Easter time. The hands which were nailed to the tree and bound in the grave now rule the heavens and the earth and guide our destinies. That is why many Christians will face their fears and uncertainties today by singing the words: “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow”.