Now that Easter has passed, has the resurrection of Jesus and the Easter message been tucked away neatly in a drawer until it is time to “resurrect” it again next year about this time? The Lord has laid the reality and the impact of His death, resurrection, and challenge to “follow me” ringing in my ears this year unlike any year before. What about you, has the Easter story already faded away in just two short days, or may it be ringing true for you as well. Let’s talk about it…
The church bulletin I took home from the Easter service this year has a daily reading schedule for this week that keeps the focus on the events of the last week of Christ’s life. I am going back through the various accounts of scripture where those last few days are described in detail from the vantage point of those who were there and recorded for us in scripture to reflect upon today. We are given in these daily reading assignments some questions and thoughts to take before the Lord in prayer and reflection. We are asked to put ourselves in the midst of those events and to think about how we might be changed in response. It is a road worth traveling.
First, I have been reading and reflecting on the actual events from the time in the garden, through the trial, the beatings, and the mockeries until finally witnessing the crucifixion itself. But most importantly, I have been captivated by the time the Lord spent with those He loved and served so sacrificially after the resurrection and in the few days before He returned to be with the Father in heaven.
The apostle John recorded in his letter (John. 21:25) that “There are many other things that Jesus did. If every one of them were written down, I suppose the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” Think about that for awhile. Those final days with His disciples changed the world forever, radically so. These men were deeply changed and spent the rest of their days on this earth taking the gospel to the ends of the earth before most were called upon to give their lives as martyrs. What about me and what about you? Has the death, resurrection, and life of Jesus so deeply changed us that we are living our lives as fully devoted followers of Christ? Are we radically changed and as a result impacting our world for Christ? Do we live differently because of the cross and the power of the resurrection? These are the questions we should be asking and reflecting upon. And those questions should not just be ponderd at Easter time, but instead should become a regular part of our thinking about life and ministry. I am hopeful it will be for me as well as for you.
That’s today’s thoughts about life and ministry …from the Director’s Chair
David Austin is the Executive Director of the global Internet ministry bible.org. He is passionate about those who don't know Jesus Christ as savior and volunteering to make a difference. This blog is dedicated to keeping the bible.org community informed about matters of ministry and life from his vantage point of the "Director's Chair".
I sure do hope that we never get over the Gospel (The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ). In fact, the hope of our resurrection is because He arose. Paul said he wanted to know Him and the power of His resurrection. We have the wonderful opportunity of living in resurrection power. Every Sunday should remind us of His resurrection.
This past resurrection day, I had the awesome privilege to preach my very first sermon. It was on the "Glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ." I answered His call into the ministry a few months ago and He has allowed me to do things I thought were impossible. (Mark 10:27) I am thankful for His countenance on my life and I truly pray for His guidance and wisdom as I enter the evangelism ministry. Let our lives so shine, that others will see His light in us. Pray for the lost in this dying, dreadful world that will soon dissolve like snow in His appearing. God Bless!
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