I can’t believe how many Easters I celebrated without understanding what those words really mean. And I can’t believe how wonderful Easter is now that I do.
He is risen—and all of history is forever changed. And by my knowing, I am forever changed.
Attending Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services last week, and walking through the events of Jesus’ final week—the majesty, solemnity, betrayal, final words and tragedy—made the glory of the resurrection all the more impactful.
Even though the story is a familiar one, the magnificence of its retelling grows brighter each year. Every year I gain a greater understanding of and a deepening awe for Jesus’ sacrifice. The Easter story isn’t just a tale to be passed down through generations. It is truth revealed.
In one dramatic act, planned from the beginning of time, Jesus conquered death, overcame sin and defeated Satan. The entire course of history changed. The consequence of this is so great I think it will take a lifetime and then some to fully comprehend God’s love shown through Jesus…for me…and for you.
He is risen! And this is Good News indeed!
This year Easter fell in the midst of other good news. Good news that’s been reported on for weeks. Good news that’s so monumental that journalist have dedicated hundreds of hours to reporting every detail and nuance of the story. Reporters are currently on location jockeying for prime position, trying to discover, interview, analyze and uncover even more nuggets of insight. By the end of the week all eyes will be focused on the spectacle.
What is this event of such life-changing significance? The wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton of course.
I love weddings and am a big fan of marriage, but am I the only woman who is befuddled by the frenzy over their pending nuptials? I don’t get it. Why are we so smitten with a story that involves people we don’t personally know, in a country that’s not our own and whose marriage won’t affect our lives one single bit?! Doesn’t all the hoopla seem a wee bit overblown?
Why all the fuss? Is it our enduring hope for a happy ending? For fairy tales come to life? For the grandeur of kings and queens.
I wonder if in consuming the frivolity, are we snacking on that which lasts for a moment and overlooking the feast that lasts forever?
A royal wedding is good news, but Jesus is the Good News. In Him, we don’t have to envy royalty we become royalty—princes and princesses, heirs to the inheritance. We don’t have to wish for a happy ending, we are assured of one. We don’t have to dream of castles and kingdoms; the Kingdom of Heaven comes to us.
When we follow Jesus, Easter isn’t good news we celebrate once a year, it’s the Good News we live out every day. It's life changing, revolutionary, intimate and eternal.
Obviously the media and the masses won’t tell this story. We must proclaim, share, tell, teach and invite. Perhaps this is why Jesus’ final words to His disciples instructed them to do just this: “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
He is risen! And that changes everything. Share the story!
This song has run through my head all week and tells the story perfectly
Christ is Risen by Matt Maher
7 comments:
I don't understand the hoopla, but maybe that's because I went through the hoopla the first time with Charles and Diana. I remember the TV being on at 4, the flashbacks to the vows (I think Diana had made a small flub that was shown over and over), the dress, the dress, the dress.... And, maybe in her loss, there are folks reaching out for the next chapter. ???
Yes, there is a much great marriage to take place, and folks are not plugged into the significance of that--that they have had an outstanding invitation for thousands of years, now. And it is the story that we need to tell, in some way, every day....
Let's pray for the rolling away of some stones, that others might know He is alive!
I don't really understand all the fuss either, Kelli. Maybe as a nation, there's a part of us that wishes we had a royal family -- maybe because of the fairy tale quality, etc.
But I like so much how you point out that we as believers are already in a royal family, already a part of the greatest kingdom possible. Very good news indeed!
I am already a princess, God's child, one of His daughters, (a daughter of the King) and doesn't that make me a princess.....and you as well !!!!!
Blessings and Love....Peggy
I am looking forward to seeing the wedding . . . maybe it is all those trips to London with high school students over the years.
But the wedding you speak of . . . where we are the bride. True bliss.
Fondly,
Glenda
We are forever Hephzibah (my delight is in you) and Beulah (owned and protected by the Lord)and our Bridegroom rejoices over us says (Isaiah 62:2-5). That's the best happily-ever-after story I know!
So bummed, I just left this really long comment about my fascination for weddings, royal or otherwise, and they speak to me about the heavenly dance I will do one day with the King!
Stupid blogger.
Hope you are well. Have a great week.
peace~elaine
I'm an incurable romantic. I will get up (like an idiot) at 3am to watch all the hoopla.
Then again, I rise most days at 4 or 5am to review anew the truly Good News. I'm an incurable believer, too.
Blessings,
Kathleen
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