Startling News!

It really would have been quite a shock. From our vantage point in time, we know the end of this story. But on that morning the two Marys didn't have the information we have. The only part of the story they knew was that Christ is dead.

When they arrived at the tomb, the scene was not at all as they thought it would be. The stone had been rolled away. Therefore, when they walked into the tomb and saw the young man in a white robe, they were understandably startled.

Some say they were startled by the presence of the young man. Some say they were startled by the fact that Christ's body was not there in the tomb? Maybe it was both. In any case, this was not the most startling part of the story. It's the words of the man in white that had, and still have, the most "surprise" value. He said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him." That is a startling statement.

On another front, the surprise they experienced on that morning was nothing compared to the surprise and shock the Power of Darkness felt when he realized his best, most powerful weapon was useless against the power of almighty God, Creator of the universe.

The one who planned this final attack was only a mocker, a mere builder. He could create nothing. He could only use what was allotted him by the act of creation itself. He had planned and timed this final blow to be completed at a point where he would gain it all. Creation...God would finally bow done and worship him; there would be no end to his kingdom. But with the sound of this shocking news, the realization set in-his final moment of victory was turned into his final defeat and the greatest victory for all of creation was fulfilled. Satan was shocked! It was a crushing blow directly to the head.

The shock wave of that victory is felt today throughout Central Europe and the world. The power of the resurrection is still impacting the people of Central Europe as we see children, teenagers, men and women come to the knowledge of this astonishing fact: He is risen!

On this most holy of days, we remember His death, and His resurrection and we celebrate together the joyful news. HE IS RISEN!

Happy Easter.

Jim & Sherry Sabella