Outside of holiday Easter baskets, Cadbury chocolate eggs, Easter egg hunts and hyped-up kids tripping on loads of sugary candy, for most people—that’s about it, just a holiday. This year, as we struggle in the middle of this global Corona virus pandemic in our nation, our daily lives has been completely upended. Things I never imagined, such as closed churches, are having to happen to try and ‘flatten the curve’ of this killer virus. Truth is, no one saw this coming and many are still bewildered, and anxious, about our unknown future. For the first time in my life: no Easter services because 96% of all churches in America are officially closed pending government health mandates.
Since those of us who are interested in Easter worship service must do so online only, could this year’s Easter make any significance difference in our lives?
Let me answer that question with another question, “What happened on that first Easter morning?” (before we had church buildings) At the empty tomb of Jesus, the angel told the women, “He is not here, He has risen, just as He promised.” From that first encounter, to subsequent appearances of the risen Christ, history was made because God is the Author of history and He was busy ‘re-writing’ it for our sake. This Easter, and all the strange events surrounding it, is still under the sovereign pen of the Master Author. Through His Holy Spirit, the risen Christ is still among us, still saving lost souls, still strengthening the faith of fatigued followers, still renewing fresh hope in burdened, worried men and women, even as we speak. God has not changed. Neither has His power or love diminished.
Why? Because the risen Christ is the Game Changer of history!
This year will be no exception.
May I ask you this Easter, “How would you like to finally let go of the things in your life that are holding you back, things that are causing death to your dreams and hopes?”
“The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the angels asked, ‘Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!’”—LUKE 24:5-6
It’s Resurrection Sunday! He is risen! The Lord is risen indeed!
There comes a time in each of our lives when we must let go of what is no longer beneficial to us. Many people toil back and forth, vacillating between two opinions rather than just deciding it’s time to move forward. It could be over relationships, career choices, club memberships, etc. Nevertheless, it is important to realize when it’s time to let go of dead things.
In our Scripture passage, we find the women looking for Jesus after he was crucified and buried. The Angels asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!”
Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, just as He promised. His words were evidence of the power he possessed.
That same power is at work in our lives as believers today. He is able to resurrect the areas in our lives that seem fruitless, those areas that seem dry and barren. That same power is able to help us move forward from dead situations and relationships into a healthy place — a place of fruitfulness.
Take a moment to examine the areas in your life that have been creating frustration and conflict. Pray and ask God what it is you need to begin to release into His care so he can resurrect new hope in you. God desires to release His supernatural power through His indwelling Holy Spirit to resurrect new joy in you that you haven’t had in some time. You must understand and believe, God wants to bless your life and love you more than you can ever possibly realize. The problem is, we seek to find satisfaction and fulfillment in “things” rather than the risen Christ. We don’t realize that the things of this world cannot bring the lasting fulfillment, purpose and meaning in life we desperately need and desire. Yet, God is waiting for us to turn to Him with all our hearts and ask Him to give us the joy of Christ, the peace of Christ, the love of Christ in resurrection power! It’s His will for you. You don’t have to keep struggling like you are doing. God has a better way, if you will do it His way and let go of the ‘dead works’ in your life and allow Him to resurrect His power in your heart. Expect to be amazed at what He will do!
“Father God, help me to recognize the dead areas in my life and when it is time to let go of what I have been holding on to. Teach me how to recognize the fruitful and flourishing places of mine that You have blessed. I ask that You heal the areas of my heart that keep me trapped and looking in the wrong places for what I need. Thank You for loving me enough to correct me. I open my heart completely to the risen Christ. I surrender myself to You. Please forgive me for trying to live life on my own terms and not yours. I turned from my sins and turn to the risen Christ, Your Son, our Lord & Savior. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Go Deeper — Today may be filled with hymns, chocolate eggs, and family. Take a few minutes to thank God for his resurrecting power to bring “life” into our lives when we accept his Son, Jesus, as our Savior. I know this is going to be a difficult Easter for many of you. Please keep your focus on the risen Christ during the week ahead. Take extra to spend meditating on His Word and humbling yourself in personal prayer to Him. It will make a huge difference because the risen Christ is THE GAME CHANGER. May He richly bless you for seeking Him with all your heart!
David Crews Ph.D. Publications 