Easter is a beautiful time of year. April showers are busy bringing May flowers. Kids are getting out of school on Spring break so, like it or not, you gotta’ spend time with them. And, there is an explosion of crosses, eggs, and bunnies plastered upon businesses, homes, and nearly every local entity.
It appears the theme of new life and growth permeate all of culture, even those, that for all intents and purposes are not Christian. Nonetheless, I can not rag on those who are not Christians, because at times, I remember that many Christians hardly speak of the work of Christ’s resurrection except for a three day period in March and or April (whatever date it falls on).
At times, even I have been guilty of constantly reaffirming the blood and death of Christ, but hardly preach him as a living God. God forgive me.
As we move into the Easter season (and out of it, this message works all the same) I am determined to share a bit of learned guidance.
- Decide to Take Part in Easter
I refuse to inch into this portion of the message. Resurrection Sunday is a done deal and a free gift from God to you. It is not just a half way mark for Christmas, where we are reminded to have good will to all men. Resurrection Sunday is a historical fact written within the fabric of the Earth’s and the Cosmos’ textbook.
Jesus Christ really did come to Earth. He really was brutally and utter inhumanly slaughtered by the very nature God painted on Earth- A tree (Isaiah 53:7). Then, He really was buried, shrugged off death three days later, and rode water vapor to Heaven (Acts 1:9). He really did pay our ransom and made all who believe, right with God (1 Timothy 2:6). This act really is all for His glory and really is a gift.
Yes, a gift. Like what you are given for your birthday. You cannot pay for it. Just believe and therefore accept. Now, you take part in the Easter celebration.
That’s step #1.
2. Resolve not to Worship Easter
Now, worship Jesus, not Easter. Jesus is the One who died. He is the One who rose. His accomplishment is the significance, not the day. Nor the Easter concert at church. Neither, any other distraction that Satan may cover in gift wrapping (2 Corinthians 11:14). This day is about Christ and what He has done to offer humanity peace with God.
3. Agree to Take Easter with You
And this Good News, is not restricted to a day. It is written,
“But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification” (Romans 4:24-25).
We see an odd bit of grammar here. Christ was “raised” (past tense; therefore, is done) for our “justification” (present tense; therefore, continues). We see a past tense verb that justifies a present tense action. Christ’s work continuously justifies us and makes us righteous.
Not just Easter. Nor just Easter weekend. Not just during Lent. Christmas either. We are alive in Christ daily, because of Christ.
Therefore,
“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days” (Colossians 2:16). We are to wake up daily preaching as the Apostle Paul did, “
“…Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:23-25).
God bless!
well said
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love this take on Easter!
Glad it makes a good deal of sense!
Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday!
You as well friend!