Today, someone asked if my son's Christian school does anything special for Easter.
Anything special? My initial response was to remind her to live Easter each day. But then, it made me think.
I have certainly seen some Easter specials in my life -
as a growing child, i had collected Easter eggs home to add to the family meal...and try to tell my mom about the good news of new life...
as a rookie pastor, i had my little church put out lilies, serve out eggs and pancakes..sing and tell stories... while i preached a fiery message of new possibilities..
as a visitor to one of America's largest churches, I have seen a pageant complete with an angel suspended by high wire, real horses and a camel...
What is the big deal about Easter? Why am I even talking about it?
Because when we began, our goal was to drink in order to get to this: Resurrection ! {click for reminder}
That's right, we were not drinking to get by. We are drinking to get somewhere. We are headed towards a vision God himself has etched within our souls, and we won't turn back until we reach it. Friends, we have found in this journey how great our thirst is! Thankfully, we have also found that the Well has not run dry.
Yet as I ponder her question: 'are you doing anything special for Easter?', I must say that for most of us, Easter is a time for the church to do something for us - remind us of great glorious truths, roll out some higher-than-usual octane programs.. pretti-fy the church with larger than usual blooms... and this only goes to prove on thing: Christians are in danger of no longer knowing the big deal that is Easter.
After all -
We skim meaning while we store up material goods.
We seek relief rather than learn the rhythms of rest.
We settle for vague improvements instead of hunger for sorting-our-life-out according to God's Word.
We strain for spiritual 'highs' and remain blind to sibling, parent, neighbour needing a clear picture of God's love.
These patterns of life does not predispose us to obey this simple word:
And this --- what is it that you pour into the hearts and minds of others?
Anything special? My initial response was to remind her to live Easter each day. But then, it made me think.
I have certainly seen some Easter specials in my life -
as a growing child, i had collected Easter eggs home to add to the family meal...and try to tell my mom about the good news of new life...
as a rookie pastor, i had my little church put out lilies, serve out eggs and pancakes..sing and tell stories... while i preached a fiery message of new possibilities..
as a visitor to one of America's largest churches, I have seen a pageant complete with an angel suspended by high wire, real horses and a camel...
What is the big deal about Easter? Why am I even talking about it?
Because when we began, our goal was to drink in order to get to this: Resurrection ! {click for reminder}
That's right, we were not drinking to get by. We are drinking to get somewhere. We are headed towards a vision God himself has etched within our souls, and we won't turn back until we reach it. Friends, we have found in this journey how great our thirst is! Thankfully, we have also found that the Well has not run dry.
Yet as I ponder her question: 'are you doing anything special for Easter?', I must say that for most of us, Easter is a time for the church to do something for us - remind us of great glorious truths, roll out some higher-than-usual octane programs.. pretti-fy the church with larger than usual blooms... and this only goes to prove on thing: Christians are in danger of no longer knowing the big deal that is Easter.
After all -
We skim meaning while we store up material goods.
We seek relief rather than learn the rhythms of rest.
We settle for vague improvements instead of hunger for sorting-our-life-out according to God's Word.
We strain for spiritual 'highs' and remain blind to sibling, parent, neighbour needing a clear picture of God's love.
These patterns of life does not predispose us to obey this simple word:
Remember Jesus Christ, risen form the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel *
~ 2 Timothy 2v8
How much, how often, how well, do -- we -- Remember?
And what are to remember? Jesus rose from the dead. In case we forget in our busy 365 days, the church has an entire season called Lent that culminates in Easter to help us remember.
And, all of our lives are but a living out of what we remember.
What is it you remember?
What is it you store in your heart and mind?
The next few days, ask the God of memories to show you what you remember, and perhaps what you need to forget.
And this --- what is it that you pour into the hearts and minds of others?
Drink today dear friend, the journey continues.
As we remember Jesus, know that his journey took him through a valley, and to a Cross; and then it was quiet in a tomb -- before -- the Resurrection.
*my gratitude to Ps John Piper for reminding me of this verse.
