Matthew 27:51-52 (NIV) At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.

The moment that Jesus gave up His life on the cross, monumental things happened as described in the verses above. The curtain separating the Most Holy Place from everyone was torn completely from top to bottom. Then there was an earthquake unlike any other as not only tombs broke open, but dead people broke out and came to life! It was an earth-shattering and life-changing event. At that moment, the sins of mankind were atoned for and all who would receive that atonement by receiving Jesus as their Lord and Savior would not only have their sins forgiven and washed away, but would be reconciled to God.

That happened over two thousand years ago, but we are still experiencing the powerful aftermath of that incredible event that was followed by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus on the third day. Resurrection Sunday has come and gone but the powerful results of that supernatural and mind-blowing event are still very evident today. Nothing has been lost, God’s resurrection power has not waned, and salvation is still very much available to all who would have it. While most people view Easter Sunday as a nice holiday, the majority of the people in this world have no clue of the magnitude of what happened that weekend when Jesus was arrested, tried and found guilty, crucified and then raised back to life. Even many people who identify themselves as Christians celebrate Resurrection Sunday well enough but then forget about the whole thing after the day is over. But when your life has been truly changed and revolutionized by the love of Jesus and by the enormous sacrifice that He made so that we could be free, the celebration continues. It’s like the man who found the treasure in a field. He was so excited that he buried it again until he could sell everything that he had to buy that field so that the treasure could be his (Matthew 13:44). That treasure is Jesus and He is alive and still working wonders for those that are His.

How moved and excited are you about the treasure that was made available by the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus? Is He worth everything to you or is He just someone who you visit occasionally when you need help? He is so much more than what many people take Him to be and I pray that when either life is over and we go to see Him or He returns to bring us home, He will find us sober, alert and waiting expectantly for Him. The aftermath of the death of Jesus shook the earth and the tomb and His resurrection continues to shake the earth by continuing to conquer death and bringing all who would receive to eternal life so that we can be with Him forevermore!

Pastor Joey Vazquez