Message by Larry Thacker Jr. from April 12, “The Hope of the Resurrection”
Resurrection Sunday 2020 was very different than what we’re used to. Churches are usually fuller than usual as those who do not attend regularly want to come for this day. This year, the buildings largely remained empty. There were no pageants, no fancy clothes, and children’s activities were much reduced. Yet our hope is not diminished.
The whole of the gospel message hinges on the truth of the resurrection. Without it, there is no hope. Without it, we have believed a lie. But we know that He is risen! This is the source of our hope. With this hope we can rejoice even when our circumstances give us every reason to despair. With this hope we know that God is going to work everything out for our good. With this hope we look forward to the day when our bodies are changed and sickness and disability is no more. With this hope, we eagerly anticipate the day when Jesus returns to set the world right and we will join Him for eternity.
I also think there is reason to hope in our current circumstance. I believe the God is going to bring much good from this evil virus as well as the evil done under its cover. Families are spending time together. Parents are finding out what their children are learning. We’ve had much of the time wasting inanities our society provides stripped away, leaving us time to contemplate what really matters. We are faced with our mortality and economic hardship. These things tend to make us look for answers. As followers of Jesus, we have those answers.
Across this land, God’s people have been praying for revival. Consider the meaning of that word. It’s root means life. To revive is to return life. In other words, a resurrection. I believe we could be on the cusp of the spiritual revival that we’ve all been asking for. Let us be ready when the call comes. Declare with boldness now and forever, He is Risen!
