“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” John 11:25
1. THE MEANING OF EASTER in Old English is Easterdæg, from Eastre. The origin of the term Easter comes from the Germanic name for the month April (Eosturmonath) in which the Christian feast Pascha usually fell. The word Easter is a derivation of the Hebrew word pesah or the Greek word pascha, which refers to the Hebrew Passover. (sources: Vines, etymonline, orthodoxwiki)
What is the significance for us? Regardless of the origins of the term, today Easter is a reference to the most important Christian event of all time—THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. Easter weekend commemorates the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Celebrating the resurrection on Easter Sunday is of minimal significance personally if it does not make a difference in your life the rest of the year. Tragically, you have missed the point. What is the point?
2. CHRIST IS OUR PASSOVER - On Easter we celebrates the fact that Jesus Christ has become our passover! “For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Christ is the Paschal Lamb that came to take away the sins of the world. “But now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself . . . . so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:26-28).
Through His death, Christ provided the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He also dealt with our sin problem by defeating the source of sin—Satan. Now that Christ has been raised from the dead, He remains alive for evermore. And because He lives, we too can live!
3. CHRIST IS OUR RISEN LORD - Easter culminates with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Resurrection and life are only found in one person—the great I AM—Jesus Christ Himself! Jesus is the resurrection power that brings those who are spiritually dead to life. He is also the eternal life that is imparted to all who were spiritually dead. Furthermore, Christ has raised us up in order that we might walk in newness of life by His mighty power!??Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). The angels said, “He is not here, He is risen” (Matthew 28:6). The Apostle Paul said, “Just as Christ was raised from the dead, so we too have been raised to walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). HALLELUJAH, HE IS RISEN INDEED!
4. WHAT ABOUT YOU? Are you dead or alive? Well, according to Jesus, if you believe in Him, He will grant you resurrection life. As a believer, you're alive . . . alive in Christ! Christ is now your life!
TRUST - When you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, Christ will raise you up from the dead (spiritually) and become your life (spiritually). Believing involves entrusting your life totally to Him. You must give Him your spirit, soul and body, and then trust Him to live His life through you. Once you give Him yourself, you should depend continuously upon Him to supply all your needs. Then, wait expectantly upon Him.
OBEY - As you wait on Him, you will experience His resurrection life (His supernatural strength and power) flowing through you. He will enable you, equip you and empower you. You will be able to enjoy the Lord's abundant life every day of your life and you will have the kind of walk that glorifies God.
Easter is not just for a day, but for a lifetime. BECAUSE OF EASTER you can be alive forevermore. Hallelujah! So, make the most of it!
Copyright©2011 Dr. Lewis Gregory
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