But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  1 Corinthians 15:20

Some hikers were attempting to cross a many-branched, fast-running river.  The river's bed was a mixture of rocky and sandy patches, littered by tree limbs.  Whole trees had been swept down by the torrents.  There were crude bridges across the main branches of the river, but the smaller fingers of water had no crossings.  The group moved large rocks into the slower water to use as stepping-stones.  They spanned the swifter water with wooden branches.  Some narrow channels could be crossed with a leap.  The leader of the expedition went ahead to find the best ways to cross the river, to set up bridges, and to extend a steadying hand to help the others cross.

Like the leader of that expedition, Jesus has gone before us through death into life.  Jesus has done more than simply show us the way.  He is the way.  He is the Son of God, who came into our flesh to build our passage from death to life.  Through His death and resurrection, He is the way out of death into eternal life.  His hand is always there, holding and guiding us, leading and carrying us, bringing us through this life and into the life to come.

 From "Portals of Prayer" (c) 2005 by Concordia Publishing House.  Reproduced by permission under license number 07:09-18B.  For ordering information contact Concordia at www.cph.org .