I gave myself a huge CHALLENGE this Easter and I’d like YOU to consider taking it on, too. Here’s the story to set the stage for a unique and powerful approach to the most significant day on any calendar on planet earth…
Holy Week has historical and life-changing significance because it is the story of Jesus beginning—and completing–his journey to the Cross on our behalf. That’s why my goal during this week is to shift my focus away from the “holiday” and toward Christ so Easter never gets old.
“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” Luke 24:5–6
Never far from my consciousness is this reality: The enemy is watching all of this unfold so he can distract us from the true meaning of Easter. We must recognize that threat and say NO WAY in the name of Jesus.
Here are the FIVE STEPS I take to keep Easter from GETTING OLD:
ONE: JESUS IS ALIVE
Easter is ALL about the RESURRECTION and that Jesus is ALIVE. Almost no one argued against his death. The controversy centered on that stone rolling away three days after the crucifixion to reveal an empty tomb and a risen Christ that people could see and touch. Yes, Jesus is alive…not dead.
TWO: OUR GIFT
God raised his Son from death so we may live. That is our gift.
“You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.” Acts 3:15
If we believe in Jesus, death loses its hold on us (John 11:25). The resurrection of Jesus proved that eternal life is a CERTAIN GIFT for his chosen children.
THREE: OUR BROKENNESS
When God raised Jesus from the dead, he made clear that every sin would be vanquished for those who believe.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
God’s promise to restore our brokenness was guaranteed on the Cross.
FOUR: OUR FREEDOM
It doesn’t take much looking around to realize that our world is BROKEN. But Easter and its promise of our eventual freedom from all the brokenness gives us the HOPE we need to know that the world’s sin will be destroyed when he returns. Maybe not today. But some day.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
FIVE: GOD’S PLAN
Nothing on this earth and nothing in Satan’s evil bag of tricks can cancel God’s plan for our life.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
When God brought his Son from the dead on Easter Sunday, he sealed his promise to work all things for good for those who believe.
MY EASTER PRAYER 2022
Father God: I want to live every day with the power that raised Jesus from the dead. Help me activate that power so it steers my life in the direction you have established for me and builds your Kingdom along the way. Thank you for your goodness and bottomless reservoir of mercy. As this Holy Week marches toward its glorious conclusion on Sunday, help me focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus. Keep my mind free of distractions from the world’s gyrating forces. Turn my eyes to Christ and his righteousness. Motivate me to focus on the most important thing on earth—JESUS. And prompt me to thank him for his sacrifice and the hope it made possible. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
How will YOU Keep Easter from “Getting Old”?
“I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.” Philippians 3:10
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15
