living the new life

If I had someplace to speak on Easter Sunday, I had an interesting topic pop into my head this morning. While in the shower I started thinking about what the various sermons and services would look like on Sunday, and for the most part the image was one of solemn remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus. There would be singing of traditional hymns like Up From the Grave He Arose, and some thoughtful prayer and reflection about the sacrifice he made for all humanity, and perhaps some parallel symbolism brought up about the significance of the sacrifice (ransom, substitution, etc). While that is all well and good, with our emerging trend towards faith in action in the community and moving Christianity beyond the walls of the church's building, shouldn't we be touting a different message?

While Jesus' victory over death is symbolic of the transformation that we as Christians must make. He knew that doing God's work on Earth wouldn't be easy and that the price was steep, yet he did it anyway. Often, we know what we are supposed to be doing as Christians, but we are afraid or are not comfortable doing it... so we back away from it. But think about it for a minute, in your life haven't the hardest, most challenging events been the most influential and rewarding experiences? While not all end on a high note, haven't you learned something valuable from every difficult encounter in life? God came down to Earth as Jesus, and showed us a better way of life. He ultimately was killed by those He was trying to save, but overcame death and showed us that even that is not to be feared because He holds power over death. Placing your trust and love in God is a recognition that with Him, anything can be accomplished. He can transform you, give you strength, and help you to cope with tough times. Being a true Christian is a difficult task, don't let anyone tell you otherwise, and it is how we respond during the darkest times that shows our true character. Trust in God and he will bring you back up out of the darkness to a higher place than you have ever been, you just need to trust in Him and be attentive to the gentle nudges that He gives you. Jesus was doing God's work, but he didn't want to die... would you blame him for desperately asking for a different way to be found, for someone else to be up to the task? Think about it - God can raise his own son from the dead after he was killed while doing what he was asked, wouldn't He help even the least of us while we strive to walk the new life that Jesus showed us?

We celebrate Easter in the Spring, at this season of rejuvenation and amidst the emerging new life that it brings (well, usually... apparently Easter this year brings new snow). It also marks the end of the Lenten season, when many spend time reflecting on their lives as Christians. Why end at Easter, instead make Easter a launching point. Shouldn't Easter, the celebration of new life, mark for us a renewed commitment to live that new life everyday? Gather your talents and wits about you, this Easter we look at the world around us with renewed vigor and purpose... a compassionate and loving community looking for those who are in need.