It is appropriate that we celebrate Easter at the beginning of spring, because spring conjurs up thoughts of new life… stark dead trees getting new buds, fresh green grass growing where it is only barren brown. That is what Easter is all about: suffering… death… RESURRECTION!
As I reflect on Easter this year a few different thoughts come to my mind.
Did you know we could get rid of crime in one day? Yes its true, you would just have to take away all laws and that would get rid of crime. None of us would want that of course because the law stops a society from spiraling downward. God out of love gave us a law to keep our world from spiraling downward, for our own good. He summarized them in ten laws, the first four had to do with our relationship to him (don’t have any others gods besides Him, don’t use his name in an unholy way…) and the last six had to do with our relationships with others, things like don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t covet a neighbour’s possessions. Now these would have only been advice (not laws) unless there were consequences. Just like today our laws are only advice unless there is a justice system to enforce them. Obviously I have broken those ten commandments, so what are my consequences?
There are actually lots of consequences that come from disobeying the law, but ultimately it is death and separation from God eternally. God never designed for people to die, that is a consequence of breaking the commandments (or sin as the bible calls it). Right now I know a few people who are grieving the deaths of people they knew and loved. It hurts. But God always had a plan, from the time of the very first humans who disobeyed God had a rescue plan. His name is Jesus.
Some people think of Jesus as just a good teacher. But lately as we have studied the bible I’ve realized that isn’t an opinion one can hold if they know anything about Jesus. Basically there are only one of two opinions one can have about Jesus. Either he was insane or he was God in human flesh. Why do I say this? Because He claimed to be God. Understandably we would say that someone claiming to be God would be a little crazy(!!)…unless he actually was.
His life lends to the latter statement being true, people healed, bread was multiplied, his disciples were willing to die for their faith, his family believed he was (think about that for a second!) but ultimately Easter sunday is what really proved it! After he was totally tortured and had died by crucifixion (taking my penalty on himself), three days later he rose from the dead and appeared to many people (over 500 at one point)! Amazing!
And so, I have come to live my life in faith that Jesus’ claim to be God was true. Not only did He die, but He did it for me, so that my penalty for breaking the law could be paid. So that I would have true life! Resurrection life. Now that is true love.
So why am I writing all this today? Well, really today I am using this blog as a journal to write out some of my thoughts and reflections. Sometimes I get so influenced by my western, materialistic culture that I question having faith in God. But faith is more than just believing in the existence of God, it is believing in His character. And at Easter time I am reminded that His character is loving, gracious, and just. It is my favorite holiday!
So whenever you see a tree getting new buds, or a flower coming into bloom, think about the resurrection and celebrate! Happy Easter!
Teaching Adventures 