Easter is over. The eggs have been found. The songs have been sung. The obligation has been fulfilled. The Sunday following Easter is often called “Low Sunday” because the attendance returns to “normal.” Yes, Easter is over. Life continues. Or does it?!
Paul begins his book of Romans with these words: “Paul, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”
On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem with cries of “Hosanna” and palm branches being thrown under his feet. He was king.
On Friday he was mocked, spit upon, and crucified. What kind of king hangs on a cross? The disciples fled in fear, dejected over his apparent failure and shameful death.
On Sunday, an empty tomb confronted them. The body of Jesus was no longer there. Easter happened. The disciples suddenly became bold proclaimers of the Gospel, ready and willing to stake their lives on the truth of what they knew and believed and witnessed.
Very simply, Easter is good news.
Paul puts it this way.
If Jesus didn’t rise from the grave, overcoming sin and death then Christians should be pitied because…
- We have all wasted our lives chasing a lie.
- Our time worshiping Jesus has been a sham.
- Our hope was misplaced.
- Our lives have pursued fairy tales.
BUT Paul says, if it is true that Jesus really has risen from the dead then…
His claim to be God is true and our lives should be lived for Him. He is Lord! A fresh start is possible. Heaven is real. Grace is available.
You see, what I am trying to say is simply this: We shouldn’t allow the celebration and the reality of the resurrection to be forgotten when Easter is over. Easter is only the beginning.
The work of Jesus is supposed to be something that changes every part of our lives, everyday of our lives.If we only take time to consider the work of Christ one weekend a year then we are missing the point.
May each of us, continue to ponder the event of Easter. May we try to take time each day to thank God for Jesus’ sacrifice and His awesome gift of salvation.
I mean… Easter Changes everything and I pray that it changes everything for you and me everyday.