Have you ever gotten tired of so much bad news? Have you ever felt your heart cry out for relief from the headlines? There are so many stories of wars, famine, disease, economic crises and corruption. In the midst of this turmoil, you may feel a deep need to find some peace of mind.
Would you like to be more resilient in the face of so much negative information? Maybe nights of sleep are disturbed by anxiety. If that’s the case, don’t feel guilty. God understands you, knows your struggles, and is willing to help you calm your emotions. If you’re struggling with what’s going on in the world, He has good news for you.
The tomb is empty
When you are down amid the bad news and struggles of life, take refuge in God and His Word. Go to the source of hope, and as you do, allow the peace that passes all understanding to soothe your being as you read the pages of the Bible. God’s Word is full of good news to help you see beyond the present moment, to understand that God is still in control of everything.
It is curious that the term “Gospel” literally means good news. Since ancient Greece the term euangelion has been linked to the announcement of something good. In time, it came to designate the greatest and best news ever heard: that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NKJV).
The Gospel is the good news that Jesus, the Son of God, was born as a man, died on the cross, was resurrected, ascended to heaven and will return. By His victory, He gives us access to eternal life in glory and the certainty that sorrow, crying and pain will end. Because the tomb is empty—because He lives—you can believe in tomorrow.
The best news in history: Jesus is risen!
The best news in history was given on a Sunday, the first day of the week. And it wasn’t just any Sunday: it was Easter Sunday [Easter means “passage“], a day for God’s people to remember their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. At the time, the news that echoed through all the corners of Jerusalem and neighboring regions was that Jesus had been crucified between two thieves, rejected and humiliated.
The women who had accompanied Jesus from Galilee went to the tomb, taking the burial spices they had prepared, and saw that the stone that closed the tomb had been rolled away from the entrance. This is how the Bible relates what happened:
“When they entered the tomb, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there, perplexed, two men appeared, dressed in resplendent robes.
The women were frightened and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here. He is risen! […]’” (Luke 24:1-6, NIV).
Imagine the silence that ensued throughout the universe at the announcement of the Savior’s victory! Those angels carried extraordinary news: the triumph of the glorious King who gave his life to rescue sinners. Such good news has implications to this day and for all eternity:
Because the tomb is empty, we have hope that death is not the end. Jesus is risen and we are no longer under the yoke of sin and hell. He has promised us eternal life, we can confidently look forward to the day when He will wipe away every tear from our eyes and evil will be no more.
The good news at the sound of Jesus’ voice
What ails your soul? Is it unemployment? Anxiety? Disillusionment? Illness? Death? Betrayal? What news did you get that made your life lose color? Allow Christ to communicate grace to the depths of your soul, just as He did with Mary Magdalene that very Sunday morning.
The Gospel of John narrates that Mary Magdalene had stood at the entrance to the tomb, weeping. And it was there, before the empty tomb, that she had an encounter with the risen Jesus. Notice, through the account, that Jesus notices Mary’s weeping. He does not lecture her or reprimand her for “apparent lack of faith.” He reveals himself to Maria by pronouncing her name. From the scene, we can infer that Maria’s reaction was one of ecstatic joy.
He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
John 20:15,16 NVI
Somehow, there was a special tone in the voice of the Lord that opened Maria’s understanding and connected deeply to her soul, transforming her lament into a rush of happiness. Jesus knows how to connect to the depths of your being to give you a word of healing, deliverance, peace, hope and joy.
The good news is for you!
On this Easter Sunday, the day we celebrate the passage from death to life, remember the good news of salvation. Let your mind soar as you reflect on the good news that God loves you. Turn off the TV, spend time in prayer, tune into the frequency of heaven. And remember this:
Even if the pains of this world make you anxious and break your heart, rest assured that Jesus will always be attentive to what happens to you. Draw close to Him and hear what His Word and the Holy Spirit minister to the depths of your being. He has good news of renewal and hope for your present and future. In the midst of uncertainty, pain, and anxiety, He will call you by name. And you will recognize his voice… “Shh… Silence… Still your heart… hear your Master call!”.
By Cleiton Santos
