Today’s 333 Easter Devotional: “Recovering Biblical Hope”

Christian hope is distinguished from worldly hope because it’s based upon the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

The Apostle Peter said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)

Looking at the resurrection of Jesus will help us gain perspective for recovering our hope through the tragedies, troubles, and tribulations of life.

Three days after Jesus’s death and burial, several women arrive at His tomb. When they arrived, however, the last thing they expected was for it to be open and empty. The last thing they expected was a resurrection.

While trying to figure out what happened two angels appeared. The women were overwhelmed and fell to the ground. The angels then delivered the very first Easter message.

“Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5b)

This must have puzzled them, because the Romans didn’t make mistakes when it came to killing someone. They were experts in executions.

The angels then gave the main theme of every Easter message and sermon.

“He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24:6a)

The resurrection of Jesus is the last thing they expected.

When we receive news of some tragedy. We struggle to understand and make sense of it, and we’re often paralyzed with uncertainty and confusion.

But like these women, when we encounter our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, our hope is recovered and we’re able to make a lot more sense out of the tragedies that occur.

A Christian’s hope isn’t a dead hope, rather it’s a living hope because it’s based upon Jesus Christ who is alive. It’s a hope that quickens the spirit, supports weakened confidence, and invigorates and inspires the soul to do greater things.