The Comfort of the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus is the focal point of hope that transforms lives across the globe.

Over the last several years, life has taught us that individuals and communities crumble without hope.

Hope makes all the difference—but not in a generic, emotional sense. The type of hope that can transform and redeem lives and cultures is objective and grounded in the truth.

The resurrection of Jesus is the historic focal point of hope. It is the axis on which the world began its turn from darkness to life. It is the hope that transformed the lives of his disciples and continues to transform the lives of billions of others. This hope provides deep comfort for the struggling believer.

But how?

Someone Is There for Us

When we face difficult situations, we often seek comfort in knowing that everything will be alright. When my daughters were young and would be frightened during a thunderstorm, I would comfort them by saying, “Daddy is here.”

In a similar way, Jesus’ resurrection assures us that he is here and that he has not left us alone. He is alive and seated at the right hand of the Father, who is triumphantly placing his enemies under his feet (Psalm 110:1). Because he rose, we can be certain that one day we will rise again too. We have the hope that even if we die, we will live again. Jesus is “the firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18)—meaning that he isn’t the last. His people will be raised with him.

The resurrection of Jesus is the historical reality that consummated his earthly ministry and gives us hope that God is making all things new (Revelation 21:5). It is the guarantee that God is with us and that we too will be raised.

But that is not all.

Someone Is in Our Corner

During a boxing match in college, I learned the hard way that it is critical to have someone in your corner.

Mo was short but muscular. Despite my tremendous reach advantage, he hit me hard enough to crack my sternum. From that moment on, I learned to protect my chest.

When we face challenges and difficulties in life, we can feel alone and unsupported. But the resurrection of Jesus assures us that we have someone standing in our corner who will guard us against our greatest foes—the forces of sin and death.

“‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Someone Has Already Won

Jesus’ victory is not merely spiritual or metaphorical. The resurrection of Jesus also gives us the hope that he has overcome our real enemies. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” By his resurrection, Jesus assures us that he has overcome our enemies, including sin, death, and the devil. Because he has overcome them, we have the hope that we too can experience victory through him.

Someone Will Come Back for Us

Finally, the resurrection of Jesus gives us confidence that he will return to gather us to himself. In John 14:3, he said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Jesus assures us that he is coming back for us, and one day we will be reunited with him in heaven.

The resurrection is the focal point of hope that brought about global transformation. It is the certain hope of the presence, advocacy, victory, and return of Jesus.

As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, let us be assured of God’s favor and of the hope of our living Savior. May that confidence drive us boldly forth on mission.

Multiply Your Impact

It’s never been easier for you to help a missionary.

Every missionary needs biblical training, accountability, leadership, encouragement, help communicating with their supporters, and guidance when something goes wrong.

The Global Gospel Fund helps missionaries every day by providing these crucial services.

Paul L. Davis

Paul Davis is president of ABWE. Prior to his appointment in 2017, Paul served as senior pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Holland, MI. He attended Liberty University and Dallas Theological Seminary and holds a master’s degree from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Paul and his wife, Martha, have been married for 28 years, and have both served in numerous roles in Christian ministry and education. They have four adult children. Follow Paul on Facebook.