The first chapter of the Book of Revelation is a glorious passage. John was on the isle of Patmos. Then in his solitude, he heard a voice speaking to him. The voice said, "I am the Alpha and the Omega," the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Alpha is the first letter of the Greek language, and Omega is the last letter. This voice, that spoke like a trumpet, was saying, I am everything you need. I am everything from A to Z. All that is between every conceivable condition and contingency can be met. Every complex condition can be met because I am A to Z. I am alive. I became dead, but I can live forevermore. I have the keys. Jesus has the Keys to open doors that do not yield to us. He is able to cope with every situation. He is competent to satisfy every need. There¹s no doubt that all of us have needs, problems, concerns, worries and fears, but because He lives, we can face tomorrow. We can overcome difficulties. We can become victorious and live meaningful lives.

Yes, Jesus is the joy and inspiration of every believer. The very mention of His name and His glorious resurrection from the dead, on the first Easter, puts a song in our hearts and floods our faces with joy. Joy even in the darkest hour.

Rev. Charles Kingsley was a gifted Anglican preacher, writer and novelist in England a generation ago. He lay terminally ill in one room while his wife of many years lay in the next room, also terminally ill. She sent in a note to her husband in which she said, "My darling, is it cowardly of me to tremble before the unseen realities of what lies beyond death?" Charles Kingsley wrote back reassuringly. "My darling, it is not cowardly, but we do not need to be afraid. It will not be dark, because God is Light. We shall not be lonely, because Jesus Christ is with us."

That is the resurrection and its continuing power. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow with confidence, joy, and hope.

Hallelujah, He is risen!