The greatest comeback of all time

"There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:2-6 NIV

On April 16, 2016, Phil Healy, an Irish Collegiate runner, made one of the most stunning comebacks in racing history. As Healy grabbed the baton to run the last leg of the women's 4x400 relay, her University of College Cork team was in fifth place and almost a quarter of a lap behind the leader. And when she started off at a modest jog, the team looked destined to lose. But the announcers suddenly noticed Healy picking up the pace and speeding by her competitors compelling them to report, "UCC from the depths of hell are powering through." To the amazement of the crowd Healy zoomed past the other runners in the final straightaway crossing barely a second ahead of the closest runner to claim victory. One of the announcers couldn't help but shout, "Ahhhhh! It's unbelievable. That is unbelievable!"

And while that was quite a comeback for sure, the Bible tells us of an even greater one, the most unbelievable comeback in all history. You see all hope had been lost that "Good Friday" when Jesus seemingly surrendered to death. And when his body was placed in the tomb and sealed by a big stone, his fate and that of the world seemed certain... death had won. But then it happened! "There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it...and the angel said to the women, "He is not here; he has risen just as he said." He has risen!!! Now how is that for a comeback?

So today as we prepare to celebrate Easter, let us remember the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus paid on the cross and rejoice in the victory over death that it brought when He rose from the dead. Oh hallelujah friends! He is risen indeed!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to die for our sins that there might be victory over death once and for all. May we never forget what this cost and the pain Jesus endured for each and every one of us. And in the midst of the COVID pandemic may we turn to Him like never before and boldly step up our efforts to invite the lost to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Death was arrested - North Point InsideOut