Easter

Resurrection Hope

Easter week is upon us, and I think it’s safe to say it’s not exactly panning out as we had planned.  Whatever grand plans your ministry had for Easter when you began the conversations earlier this year, it couldn’t possible have looked like your new reality.  It’s easy to get lost in that, get lost is the loss.  But, this week, as we redefine our normal, and plan Easter services so very different than anything we’ve ever done before, I just want to encourage you to find the hope of Easter for yourself, and share the hope of Easter with those around you.

Ironically, if we think back to that first Easter, I think it would be safe to say things weren’t exactly panning out the way the disciples had planned either.  They had dinner with Jesus, He spent the last hours giving them advice on how to live, teaching about love, praying for them and praying for us. With the beauty of hindsight and the full picture, we also know He was preparing them for the loss that was about to come, but they didn’t know.  One moment He was with them, teaching them, and the next his body lay in a tomb. The whole world changed right before their eyes, all their plans and hopes seemed lost in a moment. 

As heartbreaking as that moment was, we know that it was necessary.  That it was part of a bigger plan.  That the very despair they felt, was the event that would provide hope & life for every generation to come.  When we celebrate Easter, we celebrate that through the crucifixion Jesus conquered sin and death.  In the darkest of days, the most beautiful work was being brought to completion.  It is the hope, joy, and promise for all of us, to carry us through our darkest days.  It is the hope, and joy and promise that Jesus told us to share with everyone.

Imagine, the opportunity we have to offer new life to the broken and hurting in our communities.  Imagine the life and freedom of Jesus reaching every ear. Imagine the hope and joy and power of resurrection being sought and found in Jesus, by a desperate and hungry world.

Resurrection is what we need. Resurrection is what our world needs. Our hope is found in the resurrection and we have a unique opportunity to share our hope, our joy, and the glory of the resurrected King with a hurting world.