WEEK 3: MARCH 13-19
Resurrected, So What?
The Resurrection of Christ is not only good news at the end of the story, it is the power to raise us to life now. Paul describes this power in Colossians 3 by talking about the transformation of who we are. We are crucified with Christ and raised to life, and this truth should radically form how we live right now. Our personal life, our family, our jobs, and even our free time should all reflect the reality that we now have an identity formed not of this world, but in Christ. Consider this truth and Colossians 3 as you prayerfully work through this week’s devotionals.
MARCH 18
Gloom after the Tomb
By Rev. Joe Carbonaro
The Christian Church celebrates two very special holidays each year, Christmas and Easter. From decorations to special meals and traditions, each family celebrates these holidays in truly different ways. If your family is like mine there is also an air of anticipation around Santa and the Easter Bunny. When the day comes, packages or baskets are opened, a special meal is eaten followed by great desserts, family time, and the eventual clean up.
Unfortunately, just like there is a “Danger with the Manger” there is a similar “Gloom after the Tomb!” Sounds strange, but in the midst of all the activities somehow the true meaning of these special holy days gets lost in the activity of the day. We rush to church, rush home for a family meal, and race through events before packing away the decorations for next year. As a result there is a natural let down from all of the anticipation and activities we have attended.
Jesus grows up and doesn’t remain as that cute little baby in the manger, we put out each year. He challenges us to love God and love our neighbor. To ask for forgiveness and to forgive those who do us harm. Then He goes to the cross and pays the ultimate sacrifice for all of mankind. Three days later He rises from the tomb just as He predicted.
However in all of the hubbub, the true meaning of the Resurrection gets lost in new outfits, chocolate bunnies and Easter baskets. The gloom I speak of comes from many in our society just checking off going to church because it’s Easter and that’s what I’m supposed to do! Somehow in the midst of life many fail to take time to fully grasp just how special this day truly is. You see, Monday brings the reality of school or work and the insanity of the world around us and how does Easter matter when I have bills to pay?
The risen Christ gives us a hope of death defeated, sins forgiven, and a new life celebrated in relationship with Him. Easter celebrates the key to the Christian faith. Jesus accomplished all that He promised. The divine power that brought Jesus back to life is available to all who freely accept it. Gloom dissipates in the light of our risen Lord.
So as the everydayness of life begins to encroach on your spiritual life, realize this Easter that we shouldn’t stop celebrating His resurrection because the decorations were put away for another year. Each day brings the promise of new life, new blessings, new mercy, and new grace. There isn’t gloom if we realize as the psalmist proclaims, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.”
“Gloom from the tomb” – hardly when we keep our relationship with Christ central in our lives. He is alive and willing to meet with us regardless of what is happening in our life.
The Resurrection is as real today as it is on Easter, why do you think we forget that?
How can you “be glad and rejoice” in the Resurrection today?
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