Matthew 28:1-10

Matthew 28:1-10 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  Resurrection hope is a wonderful thing -- it means that we can face death with confidence and hope that the God who conquers death will also lead us to conquering death.  We are baptized into Christ's death and resurrection, and so that means we don't have to be afraid when we approach ultimate fears.
  But Easter hope is more than just hope in the face of death.  We all have to figure out how we carry this within us, but Easter hope should give us the courage to face whatever opposes us.  Knowing Christ's ultimate victory, combined with the awareness of the great love with which God loves you, these should help you face every challenge, every day, with peace.  Whatever opposes you is like the guards outside of the tomb --  though they were alive, armed with the powers of the Roman army, they shook and became like dead men, rendered powerless by the power of God.  Soldiers backed by the greatest army in the world were terrified before an angel of the Lord. 
  God is with you today, whatever you may face, be it the entire world or your own personal struggles.  You are not alone and you are not forgotten -- you are loved by the same God who has overcome the grave.  Your Easter hope does not wait until the end of life to be realized -- it is at work here and now, binding us together as one church.