THIS WEEKEND, more than two billion Christians around the world will celebrate Easter Sunday, proclaiming: “Christ is risen! He is truly risen!”. But what does this really mean, and why is it important?
According to the Gospels, women came to the tomb of Jesus early in the morning to anoint His body. Instead, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. The angel said: “He is not here; he has risen.” This is the foundation of the Christian faith.
The resurrection is God’s answer to mankind’s deepest fear – death. It proclaims that death has no power, death has been conquered, love conquers hate, and that there is life beyond the grave. In a world shrouded in loss and grief, Easter brings great hope. death has been conquered.
The word “Easter” is derived from the Germanic goddess known as “Ēostre” or “Ostara,” who is associated with spring and the bursting of seeds buried in the ground. When the Germans accepted the Gospel, the celebration of the Resurrection and the announcement of new life in Christ was calledEaster.
Just as spring transforms drought, Resurrection transforms all creation. The ancient Church was not confused by the word Easter. The power of the Gospel transforms what was without glory into eternal meaning and purpose.
Think of the cross. During the reign of the Romans, crucifixion was the most humiliating method of execution, designed to degrade the person being punished. No one could see glory in the crucified man — only the condemned and cursed. However, because of the power of the Resurrection, the instrument of humiliation was transformed into a symbol of salvation for the whole world.
The word Easter is derived from the Hebrew word “Pesach” which means “Passover” in English. This means to exceed or exceed. On the day Israel was freed from Egypt, Simakade said: “Blood will be a sign for you in the houses where you live: if I see blood, I will pass over you, and the plague will not destroy you when I strike Egypt” (Exodus 12:13).
For Christians, Jesus is the final Passover Lamb, who frees mankind from sin and death itself. Easter commemorates his crucifixion, death and resurrection after three days.
The Christian faith became a strong foundation during the dark times of apartheid in South Africa. Faith in the Resurrection has given hope to the hopeless and strength to the persecuted. This faith brought the assurance that oppression would not end.
The effect of Christ’s Resurrection continues today. God has the power to take what seems to be nothing or seemingly dead, and turn it into something beautiful and alive. Damaged relationships and relationships can be restored. Broken lives can be rebuilt. What seems like an end can be a new beginning.
Whatever needs Resurrection in your life, whether it seems dead or beyond hope, Easter proclaims that nothing is beyond God’s power to transform. Sin and death have been conquered. All other defeats are temporary. We say that you are afraid of death, the devil has fought, the hero of heroes has defeated you.
Hallelujah, Christ is risen! He is truly risen, Hallelujah!
Lord bless Africa. God bless you.
Pastor Sizwe Ngcobo is-Ashdikini from Pinetown and Parish Priest of Kloof in the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Natal