Easter! It brings many emotions. Commercially, we think the Easter bunny, Easter eggs, Easter candy, and all the fun it brings. Spiritually, it brings mixed emotions, right? Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is murdered on the cross. Our God, in the flesh, murdered! Yet, there is so much love in that, too, that God sends His only begotten Son to die for our sins… Oh, what LOVE for US!
When Jesus dies it saddens us. Undoubtedly, the treatment He receives is unfair and unjust, yet planned by the Father. Jesus demonstrates in His humanity this is a burden and sacrifice He did not want to endure. Furthermore, He asks the Father if He can pass this bitter cup; nevertheless, not mine will but thine be done (Luke 22:42). In contrast, God will ask us to make sacrifices and bear burdens we may not want to do in the flesh. However, we know anything God asks us to do is ultimately for our own good. So, Jesus’ death serves as an example to us in trusting God and doing His will for our lives.
The resurrection of Jesus brought us an eternal JOY! Jesus’ claim of being the Savior is true JOY! Jesus defeating death, as we will defeat death, too, for those who believe upon Him brings JOY! The Joy comes so that we may have the abundant, victorious life God has promised US! What a gift that is given to US!
Today, as modern- day disciples, we should have a burning excitement for what Jesus did for us on the cross. We escape hell because of Jesus! We have eternal life because of Him! It is a privilege of sharing what Jesus did for us on the cross and the encounters we have with Him personally in our lives which is a beautiful thing! Because of Easter, we are the hands, mouth, and feet of Jesus… Amen! Love & Blessings!