Well, Easter came and went, just like every year. It was nice, church was special, lunch with friends and family. Now, back to normal living-right? Wrong, so very wrong. Let me explain.
I fear most Christians I know live a life of total disparity between Good Friday and resurrection Sunday. We are long on the Cross-and short on the resurrection.
Why do we only talk about resurrection once a year?
Here’s my meaning. When reading the post resurrection documents of Paul and other Apostles, for every reference to Christ’s death there are 2 or 3 to his resurrection life. For those guys, that empty tomb meant everything. In point of fact, Christ’s death is described as a horrible crucifixion, a criminal’s death, but when Easter Sunday comes, that crucifixion is now called “the Cross.” Do you see it? Resurrection changed it all forever. Without that empty tomb, the crucifixion is histories great tragedy; but with it, it becomes a victory. The “cross” becomes a symbol of life, not death. A living Jesus did that.
So, why do we not talk about, sing about and validate resurrection more often?
I think it is because those early believers knew and experienced living Easter every day! The reality of the Holy Spirit of Jesus living out his life in and through them was a daily thing. They could say with meaning, “For me-to live is Christ.” When Jesus breathed into the disciples his very life, they experienced resurrection power for daily living. I don’t now about you, but I want some of that in my life. The “that” I am referencing is the very life of Jesus lived out in me. I want Easter to be more than a date on the calendar, or a dress up day at church, don’t you? Forget about stupid rabbits that lay chocolate eggs and even more stupid people that buy them. Give me resurrection life that only Christ can bestow. I hear him say and I believe it, “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me shall never die, and because I live you shall live also.”
My friends- get out of his way- let him live his life in and through you…daily.