Bishop Vushebwashe Mhaka of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe has urged Christians to set their hearts on things above, where Christ is, since they have been raised by him, during an Easter Sunday service.
“Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God from the context of Acts 10:34-43; Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10; and Colossians 3:1-4.”
Easter morning begins in uncertainty. The women go to the tomb carrying grief, expecting to find a sealed grave. Instead, they encounter the unexpected: the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and the angel declares, “He is not here; He has risen.” In a moment, sorrow is transformed into joy, and fear gives way to hope.
The resurrection of Jesus is not simply a miraculous event but is the turning point of history. Death, which seemed final, is defeated. Sin, which held humanity captive, is overcome, said bishop Mhaka.
He said, the resurrection declares that God’s purposes cannot be stopped and that life is stronger than death.
“In Acts, Peter boldly proclaims this truth: Jesus Christ is Lord of all. The resurrection is not a private comfort; it is a public proclamation. God shows no partiality, and this good news is for everyone. Those who believe receive forgiveness and new life. The risen Christ sends His followers not to keep silent, but to bear witness.”
“Paul, in Colossians, takes this even further. He reminds us that resurrection is not only something we celebrate it is something we live. “Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above.” Our identity is no longer defined by the old life. We have died with Christ, and now our lives are hidden with Him. This means we are called to live differently, with hope, with purpose, and with a new vision shaped by eternity.”
Easter is not just about what happened to Jesus; it is about what happens to us because of Him. We are invited into a new way of living, that is, a life marked by resurrection power, renewed identity, and living hope.
So we do not remain at the empty tomb. We go out as witnesses. We live as people who know that death does not have the final word, and that God is still bringing new life into the world. The tomb is empty, and because He lives, our lives will never be the same again.
Easter Sunday is a Christian holiday celebrating Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, marking the end of Holy Week and Lent. It’s a day of joy, hope and new life.
