Easter Sunrise 1997-The Dawn after the Longest Night

I. The death of all hope Read Matt 27:45-50

A. My God my God, why have you forsaken me?

1. Read Psalm 22: 1-18

B. It was a time of deep anguish for Jesus and deep confusion for Jesus’ followers.

C. Taking care of death Read Matt 27:57-66

1. Taking care of his body out of respect - but not out of faith.

2. Guarding his body out of fear.

A. They expected to wake up to just another day

1. Another day of sorrow and grief

2. Another day of sacrifice and prayer

3. Another day of oppression and injustice

B. But when the sun poked up over the horizon, it was a whole new day.

1. The day death was conquered.

2. The day God’s power over sin and death was revealed.

3. Psalm 22 got finished!

a. Read Psalm 22:19-31

C. Some day we’re going to wake up thinking it’s just another day — but it will be the day Jesus returns.

1. On Easter morning he appeared to only a few.

2. On that day, He’ll appear to everyone all at once.

A. Jesus isn’t the only one for whom resurrection works!

B. Jesus is just the first — The first-fruits, the first pickings, the intro., the preface

1. There will be many more after Him!

2. Jesus promised that He will raise up all that the Father puts in his hands.

C. The longest night began in a Garden with Adam and Eve — they day they decided to do reject God’s instructions.

D. That night ended the day Jesus defeated the power of sin and darkness when God Raised Him from the dead!

1. Still we live between the light and dark — on the event horizon of a new day.

2. But the day is dawning as surely as the sun rises this morning.

3. Go and tell the world that Jesus has conquered sin and death.

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