Loss is always difficult, and never more so than when it comes to the death of someone we hold dear in our hearts. If only we could see the person one more time and give him or her a big hug while speaking the tender words of love in our hearts that can no longer be expressed. If that were possible, we would probably never want to let go out of fear that our precious family member, friend, or lover would leave us once more.
The disciples likely felt this way after Jesus’ crucifixion and death. Many “if onlys” must have run through their heads: Did Jesus really know how much they loved him, how much they regretted their unfaithfulness to him, and how much they wanted him back in their lives?
Thankfully, the disciples didn’t have to wonder such things for long because Jesus was raised from the grave on the third day and appeared to them shortly thereafter in the room where they been huddling in fear and unspeakable grief. Jesus’ appearance gave the disciples hope not only in that moment but also for eternity!
Jesus’ resurrection brought an end to the disciples’ grief and regrets, and that same resurrection brings to an end our despair even today. Are you a believer who regrets things in your past that you should have done, as well as things you did that you should not have done? Take courage, for Jesus did everything he was supposed to do and he didn’t do anything he wasn’t supposed to do, so that your grief and regrets would be no more. He always obeyed God in all things, and his perfect obedience is counted to you through faith in him by God’s grace.
Jesus also paid for every single one of your sins with his perfect once-for-all sacrifice on the cross. Because of Jesus, your debts are paid in full and you are free in him. You are declared righteous in God’s sight, you have already been given new life in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, and one day you will also have a resurrected physical body—and that body will never be able to sin.
You don’t need to live a life of regrets. Instead take all your sin and failures to the cross of Jesus Christ, leave them there in the arms of your loving Savior, and rejoice in your sure resurrection hope in Jesus, who is now seated in heaven at the right hand of the Father.
Follow Jesus and always strive to obey him in thanksgiving for all he has done on your behalf, for he loves you with an everlasting love. Take heart that your Lord will come again to bring you and all his saints into eternal glory with him. “Peace to you!”