Victory!

John 20:15 “Jesus said to her, “Woman why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”

The Battle of Waterloo was fought between the French, under the command of Napoleon and the British, under the command of Wellington. In the month of June in the year 1815, news of the Battle was relayed across land to the English Channel. When the ships in the English Channel received word of the outcome, they in turn relayed the news to England. On that day a heavy fog was rolling in and hindering communications. The message went out, “Wellington defeated…” but the fog closed in and the rest of the message was not received . The news quickly spread all over England, “Wellington defeated!!!” Needless to say despair fell on the people , thinking that Napoleon and the French had taken Waterloo. There were probably thoughts of hopelessness, fear, sadness, worry, and panic as the news spread like wildfire throughout the land. The next morning when the fog lifted, the rest of the message was received, “Wellington defeated the enemy!!!” Hopelessness, fear, sadness, worry, and panic turned into joy, jubilance, satisfaction, elation, and rejoicing as the British celebrated victory.

Just like the British, the disciples also felt the uncertainty and hopelessness in the days following the Crucifixion. When Jesus Christ died it seemed to spell defeat for a few short days. John 20:9 “For as of yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.” They thought their Savior was dead. They lost hope!! Mary is weeping in this verse because she not only believes that Jesus is dead, but that some one had also taken His body from the tomb. Jesus speaks to her in verse 15, but she assumes that He's the gardener and has carried the body of Jesus away. When Jesus calls her name, “Mary”, she becomes elated and spreads the word of His resurrection. The news of the resurrection burst on the scene and rejoicing, jubilation, and joy followed.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us that our hope for eternal life is not in vain, but an absolute reality . Therefore, we no longer fear death because there is life through the victory of the resurrection. As Christ now lives in the presence of the Father, so shall we. This is our confidence, our hope, and our faith!! While Paul was awaiting execution, he wrote these words to Timothy, “but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” (2 Tim 1:10) Faith in the person of Jesus Christ will bring, to all who believe, life and immortality. Have you placed your faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ? Do you fear the sting of death? Do you want to experience the joy and jubilance of victory? The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us a solid reason to believe that death is not the end, but actually a new beginning. By looking to His resurrection, we can find reason to hope that just as Jesus died but lived again, so can all who believe in Him. Eternal life is a reality for all who believe in the indisputable fact that Christ died for sin, was buried, and resurrected three days later. (1 Cor 15:3-4) Do you believe? Place your faith in person and work of Jesus Christ and taste the victory of the Resurrection!!!!