2016 Easter Message to the Mid-West Archdeaconry

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee” Luke 24:1-6

On behalf of the Diocesan, Mama MDT, my wife and family, I wish you a happy Easter. Our God is not a dead God. Jesus Christ’s mission on earth was not to set up an earthly kingdom but the kingdom of God in the lives of those who receive Him.

On that resurrection morning, Jesus was no longer in the tomb. The stone of hindrance, defeat, shame, spiritual death and bondage had been rolled away by the power of God just as our text above shows us. The man, who was dead, is now living. Jesus died to release the captives from death and liberate them into the kingdom of light (Ephesians 4:8; Colossians 1:12-13). Jesus died to break the power of sin over our lives and destroy the works of the devil in our lives (1 John 3:8). 

Brethren, on this Easter day, I want to enjoin us to meditate on what Jesus has done for you and bow down in worship like the women did in our text above. Let us know that Jesus is no longer dead but living and he is able to bless, deliver and uphold you in your challenges. He can turn your life around. 

Finally, I will want us to really believe and follow the Lord Jesus in true humility and patience as His word dictates. Our diocese and churches need to be strong and dedicated to the Lord the more in order to take the gospel to the unreached, the unchurched and the lost. 

May the risen Lord bring forth newness in our lives today and forever Happy Easter to you and God bless you all

Ven Dr. & Mrs Gbenga Akinbola