Jesus Is Alive

Here in Peru, where Catholicism is the national religion, Semana Santa (Holy Week) is recognized, celebrated, and important to most people.  In Peru, there are numerous reenactments of Jesus' crucifixion in different towns and hundreds will gather in the streets to watch.  There are parades, special services, special meals and according to El Comercio, the main newspaper here, Catholicism is alive and well.

Easter Sunday is also recognized, but doesn't seem to hold the same importance as Good Friday.  In most Catholic churches, there are crucifixes everywhere, with Jesus on the cross.  This is the main focus.

It's wonderful that Jesus' death is remembered, reenacted, and talked about during this week.  Without His shed blood, there would be no remission of sins.  By His stripes we are healed.  However, if Jesus had died that dark day many years ago, had been buried and had stayed in that tomb, rotting like every other human in history, all hope would be lost.  The fact is, He did have to shed His blood, according to God's great plan, but the beauty, the hope, the joy is in His victory over that death.  He didn't stay dead.  He came back to life!  Even a child can see and feel the wonder and awe of this.

What separates true Christianity from every other "faith" in this world is that our Savior was a human who lived a perfect life on Earth, allowed Himself to be brutalized, mocked and executed Roman style, and resurrected to tell about it.

I cannot even imagine the elation and wide eyes there must have been among His followers who had watched Him die, then saw Him walking, talking, smiling......ALIVE.  Can you?

Jesus' resurrection really is the bedrock of our Christian faith.  We have a risen Savior.  Death could not keep Him, the grave could not hold Him.  Just because we have never seen Him doesn't mean He's not real.  He lives in me.  That is all the "proof" I need.  I know He lives and I know I will see Him one day.

HALLELUJAH!