Why Easter?Sample

A Future Hope That Won’t Disappoint

Everyone lives by hope. Hope keeps rats swimming in experiments far longer than they should be able to. Hope keeps you getting out of bed, applying for jobs, showing up to counseling, and trying to repair relationships. But where is your hope really anchored?

Paul says that if Jesus is only useful for making this life a bit nicer, Christians are to be “pitied more than anyone.” Why? Because following Jesus involves sacrifice, suffering, and saying no to things the world constantly says yes to. If there’s no resurrection, it’s just not worth it.

But “as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits.” Firstfruits were the initial portion of a harvest, guaranteeing that more was coming. Jesus’ resurrection is not a one-off miracle; it’s the opening chapter of what God will do for all who belong to Christ. One day he will return, defeat death, heal all creation, and raise his people into an embodied, joy-filled eternity where every tear is wiped away (Revelation 21:4).

The eternal life believers are promised isn’t a disembodied spiritual experience with clouds and chubby baby angels. The New Heaven and New Earth will be an eternity with full intimacy with God and real life, without the distortions and chaos of sin and Satan. The best food. The best coffee. The best friendships. Potency. No hiding. Full intimacy with God!

Your story will not end in the hospital, the graveyard, or the courtroom. Because Jesus walked out of his tomb, one day you will walk out of yours.

Reflection Questions:

1. Be honest: what future are you really hoping will “save” you—marriage, success, comfort, money, reputation?

2. How might your daily fears and anxieties change if you truly believed that, in Christ, “everything’s going to be okay” in the end?

Prayer:

Risen Jesus, my heart so easily clings to fragile hopes. I chase security in things that can be taken away. Anchor my hope in your resurrection and in the promise that I too will be raised. Help me endure hardship today knowing that my final chapter is life with you, healed and whole. Amen.