The Bible calls death “the final enemy”. Death means separation, loss & pain. Death is the end and so death extinguishes hope. Death always brings tears. But the good news of the empty tomb brings life and hope and joy to this vale of tears. “It is finished” didn’t mean “this is the end”. It is finished, but its not over. Jesus’ resurrection is the start of something completely new – a new life in a new world in which there will be no more tears because there will be nothing left to grieve (Revelation 21). And though we don’t yet see this new world, we see Jesus who has put death to death, risen to new life and gone ahead to prepare a place for us. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
