Angels: Finding Hope in God Who Reigns Over Heaven and Earthਨਮੂਨਾ

Hope in the Resurrection

I don’t know what you’re walking through, but I’m sure there have been times when you struggled to hold onto hope. We often trudge through grief, complicated relationships, health problems, job losses, or other trials that can leave us lacking in the hope department.

Today we will read four different accounts of an amazing source of hope for every Christian—the resurrection of Christ. You will notice that the Gospel writers differ in some of their details. John put Mary at the tomb while Matthew, Mark, and Luke record a few other women. Some record one angel’s presence while others reference two heavenly messengers. The Gospel writers shaped their narratives highlighting different aspects of the same event, so keep your eyes out for the unifying elements of their records.

Although details vary from one account to the next, the most important details remain consistent: the empty tomb, the testimony of the women (or woman, according to John), and the appearance of Jesus. The essential message is the same, and the resurrection provides hope as we seek the Lord who reigns over heaven and earth. After reading all four accounts, I pondered this question: Why is the resurrection so important for Christians? There are many reasons!

Today we read about angels whom God sent from heaven to earth to inform Jesus’s followers that He did not stay in the grave. Jesus rose from the dead. Once again, angels are not the main event. They are God’s agents to inform and confirm the work of God. We’ve seen angels in this role throughout our study—bringing messages and pointing people to God’s greatness. No matter what is attempting to steal your hope today, you don’t have to live without it. Your God reigns over heaven and earth. He is resurrecting us—from death to life, from lost to found, from hopeless to hopeful.

Read the four Gospel perspectives of the resurrection of Jesus and find a reoccurring truth that you can hold onto. Ask the Lord to continuously remind you of His perfect love which holds power over death.