2010
03.29
03.29
As we prepare for Easter, I’d like to hear about your favorite Easter memories, as well as your thoughts to this question: What does Easter mean to you? I’ll share my thoughts toward the end of the week.
(If you’ve never posted before, click on the word “Comment” above to read everyone’s posts. Then go to the bottom of page to add your thoughts.)
Thanks!
It is interesting to me that after experiencing the intense intimacy of “the last supper” that Jesus quickly transitioned to a very heavy subject: the tough times to come and the disciples unwillingness to stay with Him through all He would face in the hours to follow. I suspect that Peter might not have been the only one who protested, even though his is the only one recorded.
Jesus seems curiously unemotional to me in these predictions. He simply seems like He is making a statement of fact. But in all of this, He ultimately knew that He would overcome, and as a result, so would they.
He makes another statement of fact in John 16:33b (The Message) that I take personally as a Christ follower: “In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
He, being victorious over the cross, death and the grave, gives me great hope as to the certainty of this statement.
I have a picture of Jesus and under it, this caption: I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.
Ultimately, it will be okay according to Jesus. And who am I to argue with Him.
That’s kind of strange. I was just looking at a website where a woman got that exact phrase tattooed on her side, one part on each side. It was Brittany from Biggest Loser 4 who has successfully kept off the weight. Moments later I see Gary’s post.
I think I need a little SOAP right now…
Well said Gary…
I remember as a child sitting around the table coloring easter eggs with my family. Then on Sunday, I had to put on a suite that I did not want to wear and the tie, always a tie, why do moms always want you to wear a tie… I’m 3 years old!!! LOL
As I got older, I started reflecting on the reason behind the season and coloring eggs was just that, and time with friends and family, the suite didn’t bother me as much, but the tie, I still don’t like the tie.
The thought of Jesus crying out to His Father, “Take this cup from Me” and His closest friends and followers sleeping near by, too tired to watch for even one hour… I hate to admit it, but I can relate. It’s easy to become complacent when you’re not the one suffering, or scared, or hurting, or… Just the fact that He knew what was to come, but went ahead with it. His love is never failing. And never ceases to amaze me.
What does Easter mean to me?
Well, nine years ago when Bethany was born (after 13 years of waiting for God to bless us with a child) it became so much more exciting. It was the time to pick out the perfect dress and shoes and pocket books and practicing how I would fix her hair and on and on and on….OK, on Easter morning at church I would reflect about the magnitude of the true meaning of the day, after going crazy to get to the service!
Then after my little girl accepted Christ as HER Saviour…now the Easters are filled with her telling me how amazing God is and how wonderful it was that Jesus rose from the grave!
I thank God that I can see his resurrection through the eyes of this child. Don’t get me wrong…she does love the “Fluffy” Easter bunny-but knows what the day really means.
God, please help me this Easter to remember how awesome you are and the miracle u are! And the way you prove your resurrection to a sinner saved by your love!
Happy Easter!
Easter is “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”. On Easter…even if you are far away, there is a call. And even if the philosophy of this world has colored your vision, on Easter, it is easier to see the Son who stepped off the throne of Heaven to reconcile all men to God. If you live among the saints, Easter is the time to find your way home again and embrace the one who gave up everything so that you would have a place with Him. And if you walk among the dead, Easter is the perfect time to join the living.
Oh how I can relate to Peter! “I” want to believe that I would stand firm for Christ in any situation. “I” will always do the right thing. “I” will get up and read my Bible and study every day. “I” will pray without ceasing. “I” will serve others with gladness. “I” will give it my all…even if “I” have to die in the process.
But, like Peter, “I” can’t do it. “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” I fall asleep instead of keeping watch with Him. I don’t always do the right thing. I don’t always read and study everyday. I don’t always serve others (with or without gladness).
“I” can’t, but “He” can! All things are possible through Him, if “I” will allow “Him” to work in “me.”
This season is a reminder to me that, because I am a Christ follower, He did (and does) stand firm, He did pray fervently, He did die for me. And, praise God, He did rise on the third day and He has overcome!
Because “He” has overcome, so can “I.”
It happened again this year. I can see Christmas coming six months off but some how Easter sneaks up on me. Sometimes I think it is kind off strange that we spend so much time preparing to celebrate Christmas and then Easter, the celebration of the most significant event in human history, comes and goes quietly in comparison. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the Christmas season and everything the birth of Christ means to us as believers. But it’s Easter that separates our faith from the false religions of the world.
I may be late getting started but I will celebrate. Not with lights and presents but by remembering. I remember his sacrifice. I remember his resurrection. I remember he is coming again!
Happy Easter!