The Hope of Easter
The busyness of life often crowds our thoughts and occupies our every moment. In many ways, busyness robs us of the space to think clearly and to contemplate the deeper realities of our faith. As we enter the Easter season, it is easy to get busy with family get-togethers and special church presentations. Furthermore, pastors lament telling, yet again, the story, working hard to present it in some new and “exciting” way, knowing there may be many from the C&E crowd (Christmas & Easter) making their yearly pilgrimage, visiting their church on Sunday. We often fail to see the beauty and hope in Easter.
One thing I have found beneficial when thinking through the depth of the Easter story is to see it as more than just a once-a-year thought or activity. The Cross and the Resurrection encourage me each day on my faith journey. I am reminded daily that I was, in the words of a pastor friend, “born on the wrong side of Genesis 3!” I am a sinner in need of the Gospel every day. The Cross reminds me of my sin and the required penalty that was paid on my behalf. The Resurrection reminds me of the hope of a new life in Christ.
Ther Aposlte Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). The busyness and activities of life that so easily fill our every thought melt away as we reflect on the truth of this verse. It is a daily reminder of both the Cross (my sin) and the Resurrection (my hope). It is the Resurrection that gives evidence to the acceptance of the penalty paid on the Cross. God providing for me what I could never do in my own strength, activity, good works, or merit.
The hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross", written by Isaac Watts and first published in 1707, gives us this Easter invitation;
Oh the wonderful Cross, oh the wonderful Cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
Oh the wonderful Cross, oh the wonderful Cross
All who gather here by grace, draw near and bless Your name.
Easter is an invitation to come and die and truly live, and in faith allow the penalty Jesus paid atone for our sin. The Resurrection demonstrates the power of the Gospel and the hope of a new and transformed life in Christ – the hope of Easter!
This Easter, may each of us lay aside the busyness of life that so easily occupies us and allow the message of the hope of Easter, which we have in Christ through the Resurrection, to encourage us in our daily walk with Him.
He is not here. He is RISEN!
Rev. Bill Allan,
AGC President