What you can hear at Easter

I stepped from the dining roomthis past Saturday and paused a moment to take in the sounds of my family gatheredthere who sometimes talk all at the same time—laughterand joy filled the house.

Atour outdoor sunrise service, Jerry asked us to pause a moment and listen to thebirdsong as the world woke on Easter morning. As our fellowship sang “He isLord” the music carried on the air to parts unknown to us, but maybe somelistening ear caught it and heard for the first time the news, “He has risenfrom the dead, and He is Lord.”

Later,our hearts thrilled at the affirmative answers as several responded to thequestion before every baptism, “Do you repent of your sin, turn to JesusChrist, and confess him as Your Lord and Savior?”

Butthe most memorable sound is one I have heard only in my imagination. It comesfrom this verse, “There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord camedown from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it”(Matthew 28:2).

Onthat first Easter, a heavenly being appeared after the shifting of tectonicplates along a fault line and moved the stone that sealed the tomb. I imaginethe shifting and scraping, as the heavy boulder vacated its resting spot. Andwith its movement, eternity for us shifted as well. That empty tomb validated themessage Jesus had spoken to them earlier while at the base of Mt. Hermon inCaesarea Philippi. Just as he said, He had been killed, but on the third day Hehad arisen. Because of that, he transcended death and secured new life, and aspot in heaven for all those who put their trust in Him.

Thatshifting stone is the reason for the joy that surrounded us this past Easterweekend. Beneath the laughter, the birdsong, the music, and the sweet yesses ofconfession as Jesus as Lord, I hear that stone being rolled away—the reason forour celebration.

Andif you do not have reason to celebrate today, know that his arms are wide opento you. Confess and repent of your sins. Ask him into your life, and you toomay experience the joy of Easter morning.

Heis risen indeed. 

Beverly Varnado's most recent book is In Search of the Painted Bunting, a middle grade historical from Elk Lake Publishing, #1 in new releases in its category. She is also the author of several small town romances from Anaiah Press including her latest, A Season for Everything. All are available at Amazon. To explore the web version of One Ringing Bell, please visit bev-oneringingbell.blogspot.comTo sign up for her newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/dHNdsX Beverly Varnado copyright 2023