The Good News Of Easter Is People Can Be Forgiven Of Sin
April 17, 2025 at 4:49 p.m.
When I was 6 years old, my mother lost my youngest sister in childbirth.
In the cold of February in Iowa, Sandra’s body was laid to rest. She grieved the loss for the rest of her life. In July 2016, my hometown of Marshalltown was hit by a tornado. I went out to serve those who had been devastated through The Salvation Army but God had something additional planned for me.
My mother’s health was failing as she would only be with us for a short while. I worked during the day with the relief effort and then in the evening spent time with her and my family.
One night I was near her bedside when she looked at me and said, “Do you think I will see Sandra in Heaven?”
This was 53 years later and it was still heavy on her heart.
After a few moments of silence I said, “Mom, you love Jesus.”
She smiled at me and replied, “Of course.”
This was the woman who first introduced me to Him reading Bible stories in my youth and taking me to church.
“He died for our sins, they put Him in the grave but you can’t keep a good man down,” I continued as her eyes were fixed on mine. “He was raised from the dead and through that hope I can tell you that yes, you will see her and others because of His resurrection!”
She closed her eyes and put her head back on the pillow.
“They wouldn’t let me see her then,” she groaned. “But I hope to see her soon!”
The precious matron of our family passed into eternity early that next morning. What a reunion in heaven there must have been!
I Thessalonians 4:14 says, “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
The good news of Easter is that we can be forgiven of sin through the shed blood of Jesus and have the hope that He has overcome death. One day when I draw my last breath I am going to join that gathering in glory because of Jesus! I pray you know this truth in your own heart and we celebrate this Easter!
Ken Locke is community ministries director of The Salvation Army in Warsaw and director of the Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association. Have ideas for this column? Go to www.gwma.info.
When I was 6 years old, my mother lost my youngest sister in childbirth.
In the cold of February in Iowa, Sandra’s body was laid to rest. She grieved the loss for the rest of her life. In July 2016, my hometown of Marshalltown was hit by a tornado. I went out to serve those who had been devastated through The Salvation Army but God had something additional planned for me.
My mother’s health was failing as she would only be with us for a short while. I worked during the day with the relief effort and then in the evening spent time with her and my family.
One night I was near her bedside when she looked at me and said, “Do you think I will see Sandra in Heaven?”
This was 53 years later and it was still heavy on her heart.
After a few moments of silence I said, “Mom, you love Jesus.”
She smiled at me and replied, “Of course.”
This was the woman who first introduced me to Him reading Bible stories in my youth and taking me to church.
“He died for our sins, they put Him in the grave but you can’t keep a good man down,” I continued as her eyes were fixed on mine. “He was raised from the dead and through that hope I can tell you that yes, you will see her and others because of His resurrection!”
She closed her eyes and put her head back on the pillow.
“They wouldn’t let me see her then,” she groaned. “But I hope to see her soon!”
The precious matron of our family passed into eternity early that next morning. What a reunion in heaven there must have been!
I Thessalonians 4:14 says, “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
The good news of Easter is that we can be forgiven of sin through the shed blood of Jesus and have the hope that He has overcome death. One day when I draw my last breath I am going to join that gathering in glory because of Jesus! I pray you know this truth in your own heart and we celebrate this Easter!
Ken Locke is community ministries director of The Salvation Army in Warsaw and director of the Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association. Have ideas for this column? Go to www.gwma.info.