Revelation 1:18

Good Friday and Easter celebrations are unique to the church in that they focus solely upon the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. No other religion has a risen Savior, One who has conquered death, whose coming was foretold for thousands of years, and whose resurrection verified the prophecies of old. But Jesus did just that!

In Revelation 1:18, the glorified Lord spoke to John saying: “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” In Revelation 5, John sees Heaven and describes the scene and the question that he heard asked loudly by a strong angel: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” John wept as he looked around and saw no one responding. Yet one of the elders assured John that he need not weep because the Lion of the tribe of Judah had prevailed to open the scroll and loose its seven seals!

John then saw a Lamb, as though it had been slain, take the scroll out of the hand of Him who sat upon the throne. It led to all of heaven singing praises at the top of their lungs to the Lamb of God, to the Lion of the tribe of Judah, to Jesus, the victorious King. “You are worthy to take the scroll, to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”

This Lamb and Lion is King and Lord. His death and resurrection is the reason for our hope of heaven, our forgiveness, and eternal life. May He make Himself known to you in a personal way. This Easter, He desires to forgive your sins, fill your heart, and write your name in His book of life!

Thankful for our risen King,

Pastor Jack Abeelen