Luke 24:6 in the King James Version proclaims, "He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee.” This powerful proclamation emerges from the first moments after the resurrection, where the angel speaks to the women who had come to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. In these words, we find both a declaration of profound truth and an invitation to remember and reflect on who Jesus is and what He has accomplished.

The context of this verse is crucial. The women approached the tomb with heavy hearts, burdened by grief and loss. They had witnessed the crucifixion, the agonizing death of their Lord, and now came to honor Him with spices. Instead of finding what they expected—a sealed tomb and a lifeless body—they encountered an empty tomb and a radiant angel. The contrast is staggering: life where they expected death, hope where there was only despair. The message of the angel, "He is not here, but is risen," serves as a turning point not only for the women but for all of humanity.

What does it mean that Jesus is not in the tomb? It means that death has been defeated! It signifies that what God promised through the prophets and through Jesus’ own teachings has come to fruition. As the angel encourages the women to remember how Jesus spoke to them in Galilee, we are reminded that the resurrection is not merely an event to be acknowledged; it is a fulfillment of the promises made by Jesus Himself.

Reflecting on this verse, we can consider what it means to truly remember Jesus' words. Prior to His crucifixion, Jesus spoke of His impending death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21). He reminded His disciples that He would rise again on the third day. The angel’s words coax the disciples out of their current despondency and back to the teachings of Christ—an important reminder that we must often revisit God’s word in times of discouragement. When we face our own tombs of despair, we too are invited to remember what Jesus has said—to reflect on His promises.

The redemption offered by Jesus is central to our faith. His resurrection gives us hope and assurance of life beyond the grave. It reminds us that death does not have the final say; Christ does. As followers of Christ, we often encounter situations in our lives that echo the grief the women experienced at the tomb. We deal with loss, disappointment, and the weight of sin. Yet, the message of resurrection invites us to entrust our lives to the God who raises the dead, who brings life from death, whom we serve, and who is still speaking today.

Moreover, Jesus' resurrection is a call to action. After the angel proclaimed His rising, He urged the women to go and tell the others. This illustrates the role of every believer—we are to be heralds of the truth of the risen Christ. Jesus is not just resurrected for us to celebrate but for us to share the good news with a world that desperately needs hope and renewal. We are called to remember His words and live them out as living testimonies of His transforming power.

Ultimately, the resurrection is the centerpiece of our faith. It assures us that despair does not have to define our reality. As we remember what Christ has spoken to us, let us carry that message into our daily lives, showing through our actions the hope we have in the risen Savior.

“He is not here, but is risen.” Let this truth resonate in our hearts and lives every day. For in remembering Him, we find renewed strength to face our challenges, the courage to speak of His goodness, and the assurance that He is alive in us.