Easter Is Officially Cancelled?
Recently while looking on a popular social networking site, I saw a photo that was titled, "Easter is officially cancelled!" The photo was so alarming to me that I couldn't even bring myself to post it on this week's blog. On a deserted road lay a rabbit, an Easter basket and dyed eggs which appeared to have been flattened by a vehicle.
The inference was that the rabbit in the road was the "Easter Bunny," and because of his demise there would indeed be no Easter. Now don't misunderstand me, I am aware that the person posting such a picture was just thinking that the picture and the comment were eye catching and edgy. Searching the web, I found many similar photos which caused me to really start thinking about this from a spiritual perspective.
If Easter were all based on the bunny in the road then it would certainly have to be cancelled because of his untimely demise. The death of the Easter Bunny would have been the finale, so to speak-no celebration! However we are able to celebrate Easter, the true meaning of Easter, because of a death. The death of Jesus Christ. If it were not for the death of our Savior on that cross then Jesus would never have been raised on the third day! Thus, the reason we celebrate Easter would have never happened.
As I sit here typing this blog, I am reminded of what Easter actually means to me. When I think of this celebration I can't help but think of the death of Jesus and the forgiveness God extended to me through Christ's sacrifice. Scripture says,
God's requirement was that in order for the people to have forgiveness of their sin they had to make some type of animal sacrifice. The shedding of that blood has always been required to cover our sins.. We see this beautifully depicted in scripture even with the very first sin. When Adam and Eve sinned they were immediately ashamed of their nakedness and clothed themselves with fig leaves that had been sown together. In their encounter with God afterwards, He told them the punishment for their disobedience, but then we see God do something that is so consistent with His nature. Genesis 3:21 says that, "The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." Now for years I just read right over that part until one day I understood why He covered them with garments of animal skin. In order to obtain the skin, an animal had to die. An animal had to shed it's blood. Even for that first sin there was shedding of blood and don't miss it-God provided the animal.
Jesus Christ, the perfect and sinless Son of God hung on a cross over 2000 years ago and shed His blood as a once and for all sacrifice for our sins. God provided the sacrifice for our sins. Because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross animal sacrifices are no longer necessary for us to have a right relationship with God.
Not only does Easter symbolize forgiveness for me, but it symbolizes hope. Hope that was born out of what seemed to be despair. Hope that death does not have the final word! What a beautiful account is recorded in Luke16,
I want to close with the lyrics of "Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns.
The inference was that the rabbit in the road was the "Easter Bunny," and because of his demise there would indeed be no Easter. Now don't misunderstand me, I am aware that the person posting such a picture was just thinking that the picture and the comment were eye catching and edgy. Searching the web, I found many similar photos which caused me to really start thinking about this from a spiritual perspective.
If Easter were all based on the bunny in the road then it would certainly have to be cancelled because of his untimely demise. The death of the Easter Bunny would have been the finale, so to speak-no celebration! However we are able to celebrate Easter, the true meaning of Easter, because of a death. The death of Jesus Christ. If it were not for the death of our Savior on that cross then Jesus would never have been raised on the third day! Thus, the reason we celebrate Easter would have never happened.
As I sit here typing this blog, I am reminded of what Easter actually means to me. When I think of this celebration I can't help but think of the death of Jesus and the forgiveness God extended to me through Christ's sacrifice. Scripture says,
"In, fact the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." Hebrews 9:22
God's requirement was that in order for the people to have forgiveness of their sin they had to make some type of animal sacrifice. The shedding of that blood has always been required to cover our sins.. We see this beautifully depicted in scripture even with the very first sin. When Adam and Eve sinned they were immediately ashamed of their nakedness and clothed themselves with fig leaves that had been sown together. In their encounter with God afterwards, He told them the punishment for their disobedience, but then we see God do something that is so consistent with His nature. Genesis 3:21 says that, "The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." Now for years I just read right over that part until one day I understood why He covered them with garments of animal skin. In order to obtain the skin, an animal had to die. An animal had to shed it's blood. Even for that first sin there was shedding of blood and don't miss it-God provided the animal.
Jesus Christ, the perfect and sinless Son of God hung on a cross over 2000 years ago and shed His blood as a once and for all sacrifice for our sins. God provided the sacrifice for our sins. Because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross animal sacrifices are no longer necessary for us to have a right relationship with God.
"In Him (Christ) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." Ephesians 1:7In Him and Him alone is there forgiveness of sin. When we believe in Him as our Lord and Savior the precious blood that He shed on the cross that day purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
Not only does Easter symbolize forgiveness for me, but it symbolizes hope. Hope that was born out of what seemed to be despair. Hope that death does not have the final word! What a beautiful account is recorded in Luke16,
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go and anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?'"
But when they looked up , they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
"Don't be alarmed,'" he said. "'You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here."HE IS RISEN!!! What wonderful words. Our Savior is ALIVE!! As Christians we worship a living Savior that in turn offers us the anticipation that one day we will spend eternity with Him in heaven.
I want to close with the lyrics of "Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns.
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer.
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered.
Now He's ascended, my Lord evermore.
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again!!
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming.
One day the skies with His glories will shine.
Wonderful day, my Beloved One, bringing,
My Savior, Jesus is mine.
OH, GLORIOUS DAY
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