'We celebrate the resurrection of Christ Jesus'
JOE MILLER JR.

Joe Miller Jr. is pastor of First United Methodist Church of Newton.

Everybody knows what happens on Easter morning. We celebrate the resurrection of Christ Jesus. It is because of this event in history that we are who we are; that is, the children of God and brother and sisters of Christ.

We receive forgiveness of our sins and the free gift of grace through faith. Salvation is what it is because Christ died on the cross for us and was raised from the dead thereby conquering death. But you know all of that and much more besides.

However, what was it like for the two Marys who went to see the tomb that Easter morning so many years ago? They went to see a tomb with a body in it. Perhaps they went to grieve as we do at gravesites. They had lost a near and dear friend and teacher, and someone who had changed their lives.

Imagine their initial fear when they witnessed the dramatic appearance of an angel from heaven who pushed aside the stone and sat on it. The scripture says that "his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow." It had to be a fearsome sight since the tough, hardened soldiers all fainted from fright.

But the two Marys knew exactly what to do. Without any hesitation they ran to tell the disciples just as the angel commanded them. The Bible says that they went with fear and great joy. I doubt that they had to be commanded to go; they could not wait to share the good news with their friends.

Suddenly Jesus himself appeared; again they knew what to do and without any hesitation. The Bible says that "they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him." Jesus repeated the mission given by the angel and sent them on their way. The women did two things in response to this miraculous and dramatic event. They worshipped Jesus and went as they were commanded.

This event was historic; that is, it happened at a given time, in a given place, and with real people. However, the resurrection is more than a point in time. Jesus was raised from the dead and is still raised for us just as he was for them.

Easter is more than just a celebration of a historic event, Easter is permanent. We are God's Easter people every day of the year. If we really believe that Christ died for us and was raised from the dead, our responses should be the same as the women's responses.

We should worship Christ and go tell others that he has been raised from the dead. The latter is much harder to do than the former. It is difficult to tell others about Christ, but if we were as overcome with joy as Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, we would find it much easier to do. Happy Easter every day of the year!