“DEATH & RESURRECTION”
As we celebrate another Easter surrounded by commercialism, the reason for this holiday is dimmed as if it were a volume button on a remote control. We visualize a picture of Easter bunnies, candy, gifts, lots of food, egg coloring, egg hunts, gatherings and some even make a concerted effort to attend a “religious” service in honor of a God that they barely know. Although these things are nice and I partake in some of them myself, I’m discouraged by the limited amount of people in the big picture that really get what the purpose of Easter is…
Sara and I spent the Thursday before Easter studying Matthew 26-28 with our Couples Enrichment Group to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus. We followed that up on Sunday morning with a comparative study of Mark, Luke and John to get the full picture from multiple accounts of the events. It’s quite interesting how many people have never read these gospels themselves and have only relied on the threads that have been read to them over the years. There is power in education and I challenge all of my friends to study the things that they hear to solidify their beliefs based on biblical principles. I’ve read these scriptures hundreds of times and they are filled with new breath and life every time I read them!
Jesus prophesied His own death and the prophetic vision was lived out in the final chapters of the gospels. Jesus was human and fleshly just like the rest of us but He knew He was supposed to be the sacrificial lamb. He even prayed “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done”- Matthew 26:42. He didn’t necessarily want to be tortured and crucified on a cross but obedience to the Father was more important to Him than His own flesh.
Jesus went through the agonizing pain of crucifixion as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice so that we could have life. Years prior, animals without blemish were sacrificed to represent many offerings that will require a different blog for explanation. Upon taking His last breath the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom signifying the connection we would have to God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior as He sent His Holy Spirit to intercede for us so that we don’t have to try to live this life in our own strength. God has given us an amazing gift and the main thing that He asks from us is to accept that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. No man comes to the Father except through our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s not about a religious experience but it’s about a relationship that is developed through giving your life to Him figuratively speaking. He gave His life literally so that you could be free! He’s not asking you to be perfect but He does desire for us to strive for perfection and to show our love for Him by obeying His commands (John 14:15).
He is worthy of our praise and it’s so much more than just a historic event, it’s a relationship today that will determine your eternal destination in the future…