Easter Is Not Another Ordinary Day

Not too long ago, we were living ordinary lives, enjoying ordinary days, and doing ordinary things. Then, our lives literally started to change overnight when entire nations began ordering stay-at-home lockdowns. Today, over 180 countries have recorded COVID-19 cases. More than 1.8 million people have been infected, and tragically, over one hundred thousand people have lost their lives to this highly infectious respiratory disease. The coronavirus pandemic literally changed the world, and it all started on what seemed to be another ordinary day.

Just over two thousand years ago, men and women, boys and girls, awoke to another seemingly ordinary day. They got out of bed, dressed, combed their hair, ate breakfast, and started their daily routine. Only nothing about this particular day was business as usual. The night before, Jesus and His disciples sat down for their last meal together before Jesus would be crucified. Early the next morning, “all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed” (Matt. 27:2 NIV). A short time later, Jesus was lashed and beaten beyond recognition. Simon from Cyrene carried Jesus’ cross to the hill known as Golgotha (Matt. 27:32-33). Jesus was hung on this cross with nails piercing His hands and His feet.

Matthew 21:45-46 says, “From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)” As Jesus took His final breath, a violent earthquake came upon the land, the temple curtain was torn in two, and many tombs were opened and people were raised from the dead (Matt. 27:51-53). Even the centurion and some of the soldiers who previously mocked Jesus, saw what happened and exclaimed, “‘Surely he was the Son of God!’” (Matt. 27:54 NIV). Jesus Christ did not stay on the cross, for He rose to life on the third day (Matt. 28:6 NIV). From the moment Jesus arose, the world would never be the same again.

This year, Easter will be observed a little differently, which will hopefully give everyone additional time to reflect on what Christ did for us. As I look forward to worshiping the Lord on Resurrection Sunday, in the comfort of my own home, I am reminded of a dream I had a couple of months ago. I dreamed that I was going through some papers and found two Easter Sunday bulletins from two distinct years past. In the dream, I commented to my dad that it would be unusual for there to be no Easter Sunday services anywhere in the world. At the time, this dream seemed very unrealistic, so I thought little more about it. Two weeks ago, I was sorting through some papers, found two different Easter Sunday bulletins, and reminded my dad of the dream I had two months ago. I feel that God was preparing my heart for this unpredictable turn of events.

Although special religious services can encourage believers and even attract non-believers who come to church on religious holidays, I feel that the Spirit of God may be speaking to the churches through this pandemic. The entertainment and sporting venues have widely been shut down. Even churches are primarily closed, with the exception of online services. Perhaps God is using this “pause” to allow us time to listen to His leading. A.W. Tozer said, “Sometimes I think the church would be better off if we would call a moratorium on activity for about six weeks and just wait on God to see what He is wanting to do for us.” During these less-than-ordinary days, let us make it a point to listen to God’s voice. He has a master plan for each of our lives, if we are willing to listen to His sovereign guidance.

For many pastors and congregants, the absence of an Easter service seems like a major roadblock on the religious calendar. Yet, the church is not a building; it is a body of believers. Jesus did not tell us to build a sanctuary; He commissioned us to “‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation’” (Mark 16:15 NIV). Even now, as the majority of regions are under shelter-in-place orders, we can still proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the Internet or through telephone calls, letters, and other forms of communication. Yet, the glorious message of salvation is too wonderful for us to only share on Resurrection Sunday. I once knew someone who only wanted to sing the song, “He Lives,” as an annual tradition on Easter Sunday. Jesus Christ did not give His life so we could be saved, celebrate the risen Savior one day a year, and then wait patiently for His return. He gave His life so we could worship Him forevermore, and so we could share the wondrous love of Jesus Christ, 365 days per year.

Jesus’ resurrection is something we should praise God for every single day of the year. God knew we needed a Savior, since we have all sinned (Rom. 3:23). He loved us so much that He gave His only Son to shed His blood and to die on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins (John 3:16). Jesus gave His life because of love (1 John 3:16). There is no other name by which we can receive salvation. The manmade holiday known as Easter cannot save anyone. Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost. When we confess our sins and put our faith in Him as our Lord and Savior, then we will become a new creation in Christ Jesus. Let us remember to thank Him for His mercy and grace every single day, always keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2).

Jesus is the One we should be listening to above all others. Do not let the sounds of the world surpass the sound of the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart. During this pandemic, be careful not to be drawn in by the news headlines, the inconveniences of getting groceries, or the concerns you have for your family and friends. Instead, take time to read God’s Word. Take time to pray. Take time to listen to His voice. Focus on the risen Savior. May we all tune our hearts to Him, as we worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)! For there will come another seemingly ordinary day when Christ will return to this earth, and that is the moment that will truly change the world for all eternity.

The Journey Began on a Donkey

Have you ever wondered why Jesus Christ rode into town on a donkey? There was no champion thoroughbred or luxurious chariot. The King of Kings entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey just for you and me. He did it to carry out His Father’s plan that included a difficult journey from the cross to the grave. This journey of love began with a triumphant entry and transformed into a sorrowful crucifixion. Think about how Jesus must have felt, riding a donkey, knowing all the while that He would be crucified by the very people His Father created. One day, they were waving palm branches as He rode into town. A few days later, they would be waving their fists, shouting, “Crucify Him!” And it all started on a donkey.

I wonder if Jesus ever questioned, “A donkey?” Surely there must have been the slightest bit of hesitation when the Savior of the world was being asked to ride into town on a borrowed donkey. While Jesus may have never questioned this minor detail, I am sure most people would have had something to say about that. There are times in my life when I wonder why God gives me a donkey, so to speak, when I have requested a faster and more comfortable mode of transportation. Sometimes, God does not hand us exactly what we want on a silver platter. Instead, He gives us exactly what we need. Rather than giving us everything we want, like a spoiled child, He wants us to trust Him to provide what we need when we need it. That's what Jesus did. He trusted His Father completely, even to the point of death.

Jesus knew God would only ask Him to do what He could realistically accomplish. He remained steadfast in His love for His Father, fulfilling His Father’s plan. Even unto death, Jesus carried out the will of God. Jesus knew that He was the only Perfect Sacrifice. He knew a world without His crucifixion meant that all would be lost. Romans 3:23 (NIV) says, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Jesus knew we needed a Savior, so He suffered and died on our behalf. As the beloved song says, “He could have called ten thousand angels, but He did it all for you and me.” If Jesus had not trusted His Father, our sins could never be erased and there would be no means of getting into Heaven. If He had not given His life for us, the end of our life on this earth would literally be just that - the end.

Thanks to God’s amazing love for us, and the love His Son Jesus has for us, we have hope for eternity. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you will live forever. John 3:16 (ESV) says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus doesn’t want us to live without hope. He doesn’t want us to see death as the ill-awaited doomsday of our life. Instead, He wants us to cherish the time we have on this earth, all the while, joyfully awaiting the moment we walk through Heaven’s gates.

Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God. If you believe this to be true, you do not have to fear the future. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). If you confess your sins and believe Jesus Christ is Lord, you will not die, but live forever. I Thessalonians (NIV) says, “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.” Jesus wants to walk beside you on this earth, and when your earthly life is over, He wants you to live with Him in Heaven. If you have asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life, your life will be filled with hope. You have the hope of eternity with Jesus.

The next time you see a donkey, think about the animal that carried the King of kings upon its back. And the next time you wonder why God chose a donkey, take a closer look at the donkey’s back. I know God, the Creator of this hard-working creature, must have gave extra attention to creating the intricate design upon its back: a cross. Since the beginning of time, God knew His only Son would ride upon a donkey before His journey to Calvary’s cross. He knew His only Son would die for every man, woman, boy, and girl. He knew some people would love Him, and He knew others would reject Him. He knew the name of Jesus would be praised and adored, and other times, this holy name would be criticized and mocked. Yet, He did it all, just for you and me. Jesus Christ loves you unconditionally. Will you love Him in return?

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

A Person Should...

Everyone always says, “A person should…”  Fill in the blank with whatever you like.  Everyone has an opinion on what “people” should be doing.  But my question to them is this: what are they doing themselves?  So many times we get wrapped up in what others think, feel, or desire.  Ultimately, we may even lose sight of what we, ourselves, actually think, feel, or desire.  Instead, we need to ensure that our opinions, feelings, and desires are given to God.  Inevitably, there is only one thing that should be at the top of a person’s to-do list: a person “should” follow Christ.

During our daily routines, we have a myriad of tasks we must complete.  From the simplest, mundane items, such as brushing our teeth and selecting our clothing for the day, to the more complex items, like deciding whether or not we should go to the dentist for a cavity filling, a crown, and/or a root canal, despite the dentist’s recommendation for all three.  No matter what is on our schedule, it seems there are always too many items on the “to-do” list and never enough hours of the day in which to do them.

Still, it is easy to fall into the trap of becoming one of those people who consistently preach, “Do as I say not as I do.”  Now, this could be a positive statement, given the appropriate context in which it is used.  However, there are many times when this statement is not just used, but abused.  For example, a mother may tell her daughter to avoid getting pregnant as a teenager, even though she herself was pregnant at a very young age.  Or a father may tell their son to avoid smoking cigarettes, even though he himself began smoking at the same age of his son and continually smokes a pack or more per day.  Inevitably, children want to emulate their parent’s behavior.  And in the end, the majority of children will follow in their parent’s footsteps, disregarding any verbal instructions that have been given.

As Christians, we need to lead by example.  We need to show others how to live a life fully devoted to Jesus Christ.  They need to see that our lives reflect the light of the Son of the Living God.  He is the perfect Role Model.  People need to be inspired to emulate Christ, as that is what we have been called to do.  You see, it’s not about whether or not you check everything off of your to-do list.  If you do, that’s a wonderful accomplishment.  And if not, hopefully you can complete the tasks another day.  Ultimately, though, there is only one thing that a person “should” do, and that is to serve the Lord with all of their heart.  Whether or not you purchase groceries today or tomorrow will only affect what is on the menu for dinner tonight.  What you do for Christ will affect eternity.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer