Because He Lives

“And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” -Revelation 21:5

Go back and read that verse again and again and again.  Our Great God is making ALL things new. 

This, dear one, is the message of Easter.  This is what we have to look forward to.  This is the hope we have been given through the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Everything will be new and perfect.  Nothing will be damaged or spoiled or blemished by the darkness of sin.  The splendor of heaven is truly beyond the scope of our comprehension.  And anything less magnificent and unfathomable wouldn’t be heaven, would it?

We must continually reflect on Christ’s death on the cross, but it is just as important that we continually remind ourselves that death is not the end!  Death has been swallowed up in victory! (1 Cor. 15:54) Death was not the final answer for Christ, and it is not the final answer for those who place their trust in Him.

Because He lives, our beloved children have been removed from the brokenness of this world and have received everything that is lovely, joyful, and perfect.  They are enjoying the pleasure and goodness of God’s eternal presence!

Because He lives, we have also been raised with Him through faith in Christ Jesus (Col 3:1) The resurrection is not just a future event for believers.  It is an already but not-yet phenomenon.  We have been raised to new life on earth, and we will be raised into eternal life in His presence. And this resurrection power that has been bestowed upon us cannot be undone.  It rests secure in the finished work of Christ. 

Because He lives, we have been born into a living hope — a hope that will not and cannot disappoint us.  This hope fills us with joy and peace.  It gives us endurance to carry on when the days are hard and our hearts are heavy.  It allows us to rejoice in the midst of suffering (Romans 5:2-5)  Let this hope anchor your weary heart to the truth of all that He is and all He has done!

Because He lives, we have received comfort.  Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit who is our comforter, helper, and teacher. (Acts. 2:32, 33)  And this comfort dwells within us.  Sister, we may face many trials and afflictions on earth, but we were not left without help.  We will be restored and sustained as we endure through the power of the Spirit. 

Because He lives, our lives are to be envied.  We can have the confidence that our lives count for something.  Our work for the Lord is not in vain.  (1 Cor. 15:58) Our lives are given value, significance, and meaning because of the resurrection.  Our devotion, obedience, and sacrifice to the Lord is not futile!  In fact, the afflictions that we face today are “preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison!” (2 Cor. 4:17) 

So, when this sorrow feels too great to bear, don’t lose sight of the glorious riches to come — the riches that your precious baby is already experiencing.  Take heart, and remember that death has been defeated, and nothing can compare to the glory that awaits us because He lives! 

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Ashlee is the Editorial Coordinator for Hope Mommies and author of I AM (Hope Mommies, 2017) and Identity (Hope Mommies, 2018). She and her husband, Jesse, live in Milwaukee with their children—five on earth and two in heaven.

 

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