By Olaitan Oye-Adeitan
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is an event that continues to echo throughout history and as well relived by everyone mindful of life hereafter.
Just as Jesus’ birth was unique, drawing applause of angels and quest of shepherds and Magai, His resurrection was an astonishing demonstration of God’s power in fulfilment of Divine plan of salvation.
On a Friday, the powers of darkness and their human collaborators, Jewish religious leaders got Pilate to crucify Jesus and His tomb hermetically sealed.
About thirty Roman soldiers were tasked with rolling a massive two-tonne stone, weighing around four thousand pounds, to cover the entrance of the tomb, with a Roman seal, a sign of official authorization.
They firmed up the fortification placed at the mouth of the tomb.
Jesus had on many occasions predicted that He would rise from the dead.
In the reckoning of the chief priests and pharisees, who had got the nod from pilate to secure the tomb, such possibility was nil.
But then Christ’s disciples must be prevented from stealing His body, and claim that He had risen from the dead.
Then came the first day of the week, Sunday precisely, the unimaginable happened.
God thundered from heaven, the earth shook, and the angel of the Lord descended from heaven to roll away the massive stone.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God had risen from the dead!
This pivotal moment rendered the guards’ vigilant watch futile, yet it marked a triumphant victory for humanity.
As the Bible affirms, “If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain”.
Sublimely, the resurrection was equally the fulfilment of the scripture which states that thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Significantly, the resurrection of Jesus Christ regarded as Easter, is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and culmination of God’s divine plan for humanity.
It symbolizes Jesus’ triumph over death and works of darkness, offering a powerful message of hope, forgiveness, and the assurance of salvation through Christ’s sacrificial death and glorious resurrection.
Jesus coming out of the grave with a new body is a testament of possibility of change from ungodly lifestyle for anyone.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ equally offers valuable lessons for everyday life especially in encouraging every one to reflect on our values, improve on relationships and pursue a path of forgiveness and redemption.
Just as the resurrection of Jesus Christ defied all odds, obstacles and conspiracies, individuals, families, corporate bodies and the entire nation can also overcome seemingly unsurmountable challenges by embracing faith in God.
In the spirit of Easter, Nigeria’s leaders must strive to rekindle hope among citizens by living up to their mandate
Jesus first sacrificed Himself preceding His resurrection. Leaders ought to be sacrificial in their service to the nation rather than being self serving.
This will go a long way in setting the tone for the change mantra they often proclaim, but rarely walk the talk.
The followership, Nigerian citizens, should also learn the virtue of sacrifice for desirable turn around of the current situation in the country.
Initiatives such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” which aims at bringing positive change and revitalize the nation would indeed inspire a brighter future for Nigerians if it is faithfully and sacrificially implemented taking a cue from the huge sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
