As one gets older, certain events seem less important. For example, in February, I had my 59th birthday. No big deal, just another day and another year older. Vacation time was something that I looked forward to and would spend hours planning. But now, it is just a time away from home, but no big deal. Unfortunately, all too often, this is true for many concerning religious observance dates, such as Christmas or Easter.
I had this truth brought home to me while searching the internet for some specific piece of recording equipment that I need. One of the companies I have dealt with in the past is B & H Photo. When I went to their webpage, they announced that they would be closed for Passover. My first, immediately thought was: how inconvenient.
Then God’s Spirit spoke to me in a convicting way: “At least they understand and observe the various festivals that I set up for them to worship me.” I was stopped right there in my tracks, and I had to ask the Lord to forgive me. Although I know a great deal about Passover and Easter, they had, even in my life, become more like “normal” days. Perhaps this has also happened to you.
This experience caused me to reflect on the meaning of Easter. I began to think of what Jesus Christ did for me while on the cross, as well as what it meant when He rose from the dead. What I came up with is represented in the chart below.
I had much more that I could have included in this chart. This Easter, I trust that it is more than just another day. I encourage you to find some time to think about each of the items I listed above, and thank the Lord for each one of them.
Until next week, I am James Tollett, your missionary to America.