Easter Promises

Pastor Phil Callaway tells a story about driving his five-year-old son past a local cemetery. As only a child could, his son pointed to a large pile of earth beside a newly dug grave and exclaimed, “Look, Dad, one got out!”

Callaway laughed at the time, but later reflected, “Every time I pass a graveyard, I’m reminded of the One who did get out.” That, of course, is Jesus.

It’s a bold claim, isn’t it? The resurrection of Jesus is the central promise of Easter—the very hope we celebrate. But it is not just a historical claim about an empty tomb; it is a promise that extends far beyond that first morning.

In a time of uncertainty and change, in a world filled with loneliness and division, I am reminded that Easter does not promise the darkness will disappear. It does not guarantee that life will be free from struggle or doubt. But Easter doespromise that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is still at work—within you, within the Church, and throughout the world. That power is calling you by name, and it will never abandon you. It is the power that holds you for eternity and is, even now, making all things new.

Let us pray: Gracious God, as we continue through this season of Easter, we ask You to bring new life to the places in our world and in our hearts that still cling to death. Move within us so that we may experience Your peace, grace, and love. And empower us to live in such a way that we bring hope to others. We ask this in the name of our risen Lord. Amen.