Consider
Consider the difference between Easter and
Resurrection Sunday. Consider and make a choice.
Easter easily calls to mind decorated eggs, real and candied bunnies, greeting cards, new clothes and bonnets and hats, family dinners, egg hunts for children and special sales in stores.
All of the above may happen without including any mention of Jesus, reference to His life, or attendance in a religious service. All of the above may happen and include attending a worship service.
It is possible to attend an Easter Sunday religious event and not mention Jesus or any miracle of Jesus’ life. Easter is a holiday.
Easter is little or no threat to other religions. Easter may be considered time for Spring break from college or grade school, time for a vacation, or time to take a few days off and get Spring cleaning and yard work ordered for the outdoor months.
Consider. Of the world’s great religions only one testifies of its founder rising from the dead. Christ Jesus is the only great religious leader who by his own witness testified of his death, was sentenced by his judge as innocent, and at the time of his death heaven’s bowed low, the earth shook, and darkness veiled its face in shame.
Talk about the Resurrection and those who do not believe in Jesus get uneasy. If they worship other gods they have to acknowledge their god has no power of resurrection. To accept Jesus rising from the dead is to question the power and legitimacy of all other religions.
Talk all you want about Easter. But the devil gets awfully upset when the discussion turns to Jesus rising from the dead.
Consider. He did not just die. Hundreds of prophecies proclaimed his birth and foretold of his life, death, and resurrection. He not only rose from the dead, he appeared to hundreds of people who saw him, touched him, talked with him, and ate with him.
He did not disappear without notice. He rose up into the heavens in bodily form without any assistance of man or machine in the presence of many witnesses.
He promised that if he went away he would come again that where he is we may be. Granted, he has not returned. However, based upon his excellent record of keeping his word, it does not take probability theory to establish hope for his return. His very Name is Truth, and he cannot fail.
Consider. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ was the biggest disappointment hell experienced since Lucifer was cast out of heaven. If only Jesus could have been kept in the tomb, then hell would have been freed of its curse. Lucifer would have been the reigning king of earth.
Please do not misunderstand. A colored egg hidden for children to find, new dresses and hats, bonnets, and Easter dinner does not violate my faith. I like children, candy eggs, pretty clothes and ladies hats.
Yet, it is important that we understand the Resurrection is the victory of Calvary. Christ’s death was atonement. However, the Resurrection of Christ was the completion of his death. Calvary alone would not have provided for our resurrection. An empty tomb is the witness of Christ having power over death and the grave.
Let us call it Resurrection Sunday. Let us celebrate the Risen Lord. Let us worship the Risen Lord who has all power in heaven and in earth!
Consider and be faithful.
Pastor Bare
1 Corinthians 15:12-19