“O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting?”.  For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (NLT)

There was no celebration in Hell when the tomb was empty on this most beautiful of mornings.

“He’s Alive?!  Satan, you lied to us!  We left Heaven because you said you would rule.  You said that you were equal to God and clearly, you are not.  You told us that you would conquer God’s son in death and bring ultimate defeat for the Heavens and for mankind.  Satan, once again you have misled us and now your final defeat looms without any possibility of victory.”

“Wait, wait my legions.  We’re just getting started.  Jesus the Christ has won the ultimate victory, but we will win battle after battle as we wreak havoc and devastation until He returns.  Yes, each day we are one day closer to ultimate defeat but remember, I exist to devour, destroy and kill and the prey is so easy.  

We will give them this day and deceive them that acknowledging Jesus death and resurrection and attending church on this day and maybe during the Christmas Season will result in their spending eternity with the Risen One.  We know that it won’t.

The plan now is to destroy them through confusion and idolatry.  Remember, God’s word is without error but few read it.  Fewer still believe all of it.  Even fewer follow its teachings.  Then groups will twist the Word’s words to fit their desire of who God is and how He fits their life.  This is like shooting fish in a barrel.

Listen legions, we’re going to continue to find vessels wanting to move the Church to our World.  We’re going to attack using quantity versus quality, in other words committed versus lukewarm.  As long as we keep them focused on personal achievement, higher education that confuses and becomes a god in itself (I love how they keep sending their kids where I freely roam), the godless social media that continues to confuse and obsess, the cravings of material things that never satisfy…we’ll keep as many of them as possible from the joy, hope and promise that is eternity for lives sold out to Jesus.”

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)

Writing from the perspective of Hell and Satan may be the hardest paragraphs that I have ever written.  I cannot and dare not look at the World and our responsibility to the World in any way other than the true view that comes from my being God’s son.  He has formed me and provided me His scripture and the truths that lay in every word, every verse, every chapter, every book.

He’s alive.  Jesus is alive.  Hell has been defeated.  For those who choose to take up their cross and follow Him, life has purpose and His truth is the only truth.  My truth, your truth and all of humankind’s truth is one and the same.  God is omnipotent.  Jesus has gained victory over death.  Heaven or Hell awaits each person depending on their choice.  It is impossible to be born again and remain in the life and style that existed before rebirth in Christ, that is possible because of Jesus’ victory over death.  The insatiable desire of our hearts should and must be to walk more closely, intimately and completely with our Risen Savior.

Mary Magdalene, James, the women at the tomb, the apostles, more than 500 people together at one time.  All saw Jesus after his death, witnessed by so many and in death, acknowledged as God’s son by the Roman guard.  Yet more doubt than believe.

“”No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’  “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”  Luke 16:30-31 (NIV)

The story of the rich man and Lazarus so clearly and tragically tells us that even seeing will not overcome the lack of faith.  Even Jesus’ disciple Thomas would not believe until he saw and could touch Jesus wounds.  But when Thomas did see Him and the wounds, he exclaimed “My Lord and my God.”

Easter is the greatest day of victory and assurance for each of us who claim the name of Jesus.  Seize this day and walk into the life that God created you for.  Changing up this saying a little, “The only thing necessary for evil to win is for God’s children to do nothing.”  The battle rages, the war is won.

Thank you, Jesus for Easter Sunday.