Martin Luther: “Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.”
Is it just me or has the start of 2018 flown by? I mean, I feel like I blinked and the first day of spring has already passed. The weather outside my window is not a good indicator that first day of spring has happened. Spring in Minnesota means 6 inches of fresh snow on the ground with more coming in the next week instead of fresh flowers and budding trees. Sometimes the seasons of the year don’t quite live up to our expectations and may even leave us disappointed. Like seasons of the year, we encounter seasons throughout our personal lives. You might be experiencing a season of busyness, a season of much needed relaxation or a season of just trying to handle all of life’s challenges. Whatever season you are in, I know how hard it can be when you hit those “down” times or times of disappoint. Sometimes it can be hard to remember that God is there, that He has a plan and that He loves you unconditionally.
On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But let’s back up for a second. Just days before, Jesus had to suffer on the cross with the weight of the world’s sins on his shoulders. He was worn down, beaten, and bruised. Can you imagine what that felt like? Can you imagine feeling any more than your own sins? I personally cannot begin to fathom what Jesus went through on the cross that day but He walked into that day knowing what His fate would be. He died for us, so that our sins would be forgiven and that someday we could live eternally in heaven.
God loves us so much, that He sent His one and only Son to die for all of our sins. Read that sentence again. Let it sink in for a minute.
But guess what? Jesus conquered death and rose again on Easter Sunday! He died and rose again to bring us new life and new hope. As the Bible says in John 1:12-13: “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” Because Jesus died and rose again, those who believe in Him are welcomed into God’s eternal family.
The message of Easter is one of hope and renewal. We get to celebrate His promise of eternal life to all those who believe in Him. Life inevitably has its ups and down. We are all sinners. Just remember, no matter what season of life you are currently in, God has your back and he is always there for you. Celebrate! God is Good!
Pray with me, friends.
Dear God,
Thank you for sacrificing your only Son for us so that we may live eternally with You in Heaven. The resurrection of Jesus has given us new life and new hope. Help us to live rejuvenated in Your Word and to remember that You are always just one prayer away. Give us the strength and patience to trust in Your process, in whatever season of life we may be in. Amen!
