Happy Easter! What a difference from last Sunday! I’m ready for spring, how about you? But Easter isn’t about the change of seasons or Easter bunnies and eggs. Easter is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The greatest event in human history. The resurrection of Jesus brought A New Day to our earth. My message today is entitled “A New Day.” Jesus came as a light into the world, dispelled the darkness and brought a new day. But many people still live in darkness and haven’t entered that new day.
Last October 29, Superstorm Sandy hit the East Coast and millions of people were plunged into darkness. That darkness for some lasted for weeks and brought suffering and even death. Finally, for those suffering in the darkness, the lights came back on and a new day began. This morning, you may feel like you’re in darkness. Oh, your electricity is on, but spiritually, you’re in darkness. Things don’t make sense to you. You may be confused, possibly fearful or full of doubt. You’re not sure which way to turn, you don’t really know what God wants you to do. Perhaps you’re having problems in your relationships or family and don’t know who to turn to for help. If so, I’ve got good news for you this Easter 2013. Jesus wants you to discover A New Day, a new day where He moves you from darkness to light.
Our story from the Bible begins with Jesus being arrested, put on trial in the dark of night and sentenced to death by crucifixion. Just a week before, Jesus had entered Jerusalem to cheering crowds. But his friends and followers were stunned at the events that rapidly following, ending in Jesus’ death on the cross. They remembered his teachings, his healing of people, performing miracles and even raising the dead, but not everything seemed over. The Gospel of Matthew records, that as Jesus hung on the cross …
Matthew 27:45 (NIV) From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.
Yet, all was not lost, for God had a plan to bring a new day, a day when Jesus would dispel the darkness and bring his light. One of Jesus’ followers who watched him die, was a woman named Mary Magdalene. Mary had been rescued by Jesus from a life of sin, but now, she didn’t know which way to turn. At the tomb, Mary met Jesus and her life was transformed. Mary had discovered a new day, Jesus was alive. Today, God wants you to embrace a new day, because Jesus is still alive