“Goodbye is not the End” – 4/9/23 Easter Celebration Service
April 9, 2023
Stephen Streett
Goodbye is Not the End
John 20:1-18
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single act in history that separates Christianity from every other religion, every other philosophy, and every belief system.
We find, like those at the tomb, that what looks like an ending is actually a beginning. Life is about endings and beginnings. Life is a succession of losses. Do you think God doesn’t know that? Do you feel like God cannot relate? Look at Jesus as he ate at the table with those who would betray and abandon him—ending; facing death, a redemptive death but an unjust death—ending; feeling the strength and life and breath leave his body at the place of the skull, Golgotha—ending.
In our lives there are many Good Fridays. You could probably make a list of the Good Fridays in your own life right now. Days when you have felt forsaken; days when strength and life and breath seem to be leaving your body. Days when you were betrayed, and you wrestled with forgiveness. And yet, Easter reminds us of what looks like an ending is actually a beginning. Through the resurrection, Christ has conquered death and He holds the keys of heaven and hell.
It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming!
Grace and Peace, Stephen
