Holy Week - Easter 2022Sample

Shock and Awe!! It happens when our attention or our imagination is captured to the point that our jaw drops and our eyes are suddenly riveted. There is one event that has captured the world’s attention, especially of anyone who has read the Bible. This is the one event around which the church revolves. That event is Easter, the resurrection of Christ. Like the earth revolving around the sun, if it were not for the resurrection of Christ, the church would not exist.

“…if Christ has not been raised then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain…”—1 Corinthians 15:14

The Bible records the amazement of the people who encountered the resurrected Christ on Sunday. If we could look into their eyes, we would see shock and awe! When you have your eyes examined, the doctor will often dilate your eyes, making your pupils very large. When you finally walk out of the doctor’s office, even with those silly sunglasses on, you can barely look up because the sun is bright. But large pupils are also caused when a person’s attention is captured when they’re amazed by great artwork or a captivating sunset. Some say this kind of encounter has an almost paralyzing effect, where we are so enraptured that we can do no more than watch.

In Luke 24, we see “shock and awe” as we look into the eyes of people captured by the resurrection. Here is how the Bible describes their eyes at this emotionally-charged experience: “perplexed” (24:3); “terrified” (24:5); “not believing” (24:11); “marveling” (24:12); “sad” (24:17); “hoping” (24:21); “amazed” (24:22); “startled” (24:36); “joy” (24:52). There were even people on their way to Emmaus who saw Christ but “… their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.” (24:16). However, when they finally recognized Him, their eyes were wide open, and “…their hearts were burning within them…” (24:32).

That is the Resurrection story, and this is the assurance of the Church, where God in the person of Jesus stepped out of heaven, took on the body of a man, and chose to be crucified on a Cross. Because of this, our faith is not in vain, and our hope is secure in our risen Savior! Today we celebrate King Jesus and rejoice in the freedom He has won for us. Happy Easter, Church!