04/18/2025
âHe is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.â â Matthew 28:6 (NIV)
Easter Sunday is only beautiful because of what happened on Good Friday. Before the joy of the empty tomb, there was the sorrow of the cross. On that dark day, Jesus bore the full weight of sin, pain, and separationâout of love for us. He took our place, paid our debt, and made a way back to the Father.
Good Friday reminds us that even though salvation is free, it definitely wasnât cheap. It cost Jesus everything. But it also reminds us of how deeply we are lovedâthat even in our brokenness, He chose the cross for us.
And yet, the cross was not the end of the story.
On Easter morning, light broke through the grave. Jesus didnât stay buriedâHe rose again, conquering sin and death once and for all. The resurrection isnât just something to celebrate; itâs the foundation of our hope. It means we are forgiven, we are free, and we are never alone.
Sometimes life feels like weâre stuck in Saturdayâsomewhere between the pain of Good Friday and the promise of Easter. But the resurrection reminds us: Sunday always comes.
đ Remembering Our Missionary Friends:
As we celebrate Easter, let us also lift up our missionary friends who are serving faithfully around the world. Many of them are far from home, family, and familiar traditions during this seasonâbut they are not far from our hearts or Godâs presence.
Their work continues to carry the message of the resurrection to places that may have never heard the name of Jesus. What greater gift could we give this Easter than our prayers and encouragement?
Letâs keep them in mind:
Pray for strength and joy as they serve.
Pray for open doors to share the Good News.
Pray for Godâs protection and presence to surround them.
May we honor their sacrifice by living boldly and generously wherever we are planted.
Jesus, thank You for the cross and the empty tomb. Thank You for defeating sin, shame, and death. Because You live, I have hope. I lift up our missionary friends to You todayâencourage their hearts, empower their words, and surround them with Your peace. Bless their work as they share the hope of Your resurrection across the world. Help me walk in the light of Easterânot just today, but every day. Amen. đ
Happy Easter to you and yours from the CHN Team