Easter is Over, What Now?
Possibly the best part of the Passion Story happens after Easter Sunday. Jesus’ life was dedicated to bringing glory to his Father. Not everyone agreed with how Jesus lived His life and they made that very evident. He was crucified on a cross before a crowd of people who called him a liar and blasphemer. Jesus did no wrong, but people still hated him. His death on the cross is not the end of the story. Three days after Jesus died, He rose to life just as it was prophesied in the Old Testament scriptures. That’s why the story just keeps getting better and better. We, in 2023, are living in the time after Jesus’ resurrection.
Romans 8:11 “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”
We do not participate in Lent because it “makes us a better Christian” or it will earn us “brownie points” in heaven. If that is your motivation to practice Lent, you are vastly missing the point. Jesus already gave us the opportunity of eternal life! When Jesus rose from the dead He provided a way for sinners to have a relationship with God (who is without sin).
Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
There is nothing we can do to “earn” His love because He already proved how much He loves us. What we can do is make our lives align with the will of God in faithfulness. By observing this holy time by fasting, praying, and almsgiving, the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection can deepen our faith. Lent might only be 40 days of the year but if you claim to be a believer of Jesus then 365 days of the year should be used as opportunities to follow Him closer. The same three things that we practice specifically during Lent should also be integrated into our habits throughout the rest of our lives. Not so much that you are burnt out, but that you learn to rely on the Lord for strength and guidance.
Philippians 3:10 “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
Encourage others by those acts of kindness. Slow down and don’t forget to pray and talk to God. Give up those things that are sucking too much of your time. Take little steps every day to work on your faith. Try not to judge someone immediately as they walk in the room. Stop yourself from gossiping about a coworker. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes to grow your empathy and see things from their perspective. Donate your time to a good cause and you’ll feel the selflessness that Jesus so often lived. Easter may only be one day in April, but the resurrection of Jesus is forever.
Check out the Podcast from last week: HERE
