April 8, 2018

The Easter People

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” – John 4:23-24

Last Sunday the sanctuary was full. The Easter people had arrived, dressed in their finery and lining up to take photos in front of the flower-filled cross.  Most, no doubt, had plans afterward for dinners and brunches, egg hunts and fellowship. It was a holiday, after all.

I attend a contemporary service that gathers twice each Sunday in the fellowship hall. It was full. There were no more chairs to put out. The traditional services in the sanctuary had very few seats available. It was truly a blessing.

Some of those seats were filled with people who were visiting from out of town. But many were filled with people who just don’t view attending worship services as a priority. It’s all about the beach or the lake or the ballgames. God falls far below the list of things one must do on a Sunday morning.

How sad. How would we feel if God only showed up for us on special holidays? How would we react if Jesus only saved us one day a year? Why do we think it’s okay to expect Him to always be there for us when we can’t even give him an hour or so once each week?

I looked up the definition of sanctuary. I wanted to make sure I could correctly use the word to explain how we use the church fellowship hall each Sunday morning. Some of the definitions I expected. Sanctuary means a church, a temple, a holy place.

But it also means a refuge. A sanctuary is a place of safety where people who are in danger can go to be safe. How powerful is that?

We all need His protection. Whether we realize it or not, whether we accept it or not, we are under attack 24/7, 365 days a year. Satan and his followers want nothing more than to derail God’s good plans for His people. We encourage that when we fail to surround ourselves with the most basic things, such as worshiping our Lord in the presence of other believers.

Faith in God, gratitude to Jesus, and being filled with His Spirit isn’t just something we can trot out on special occasions and call ourselves good. It’s a daily thing, a way of life. That’s true faith. It’s a life that worships our Risen Lord every single day.

We want that but we don’t. We’d rather spend our days living in the world, enjoying its pleasures. We want what God can give us but we don’t want to sacrifice anything, including our precious time, to give Him something in return. It’s all about us. At least that’s what Satan whispers in our ears. We fail to notice, to understand, that it’s never been about us at all.

Sunday services will be back to normal today. All the guests have returned home. All the Easter people are back about their business, doing what they do on Sunday mornings. Church is a distant memory. They’re good. No need to attend every week.

I wonder what would happen if we were Easter people all the time. I wonder how our lives, our world, would change if we truly embraced Christ every day. I wonder how our hearts might love others if we filled ourselves with the love that He gives so freely to us.

Where are you this Sunday morning? Are you worshiping God or are you embracing the world?

April 1, 2018

Just Believe

When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.

– Luke 24:9-11

They didn’t believe the women. The tomb was empty. Jesus was alive! And they didn’t believe Good News.

Isn’t faith a funny thing? We believe what we can see, we step forward on the path we know, we reach toward what is certain. But a risen Christ?  Who could believe such a thing?

These men had traveled with Jesus for three years. They’d heard His words yet failed to understand. How could they believe in something, in someone, they couldn’t see?

Yet that’s what we ask of unbelievers every day. We offer hope and a better way and they reject what they can’t see. Are we any different? We pray and go through the motions yet expect it all to depend on us. Miracles happen to other people. Maybe. But certainly not to us. For us. No. We can’t believe in that.

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” – John 20:24-25

Are we any different? We claim a faith we don’t live. We want proof. We want to see Him in our midst, to know He is with us. Do we really want Him or do we want what He can give us? Are we looking to Him only for blessings or is it Jesus we truly seek?

We are part of the crowd that welcomed Jesus on His triumphant return to Jerusalem. Yet we are also part of the crowd that abandoned Him as He hung on the cross. We didn’t understand it was all for us. We couldn’t comprehend a love that great, that pure, that perfect. So we walked away, angry and resentful, over what we didn’t get, what He didn’t do.

When life is good and it seems as though Jesus blessed us again and again, we are happy to follow Him. We love the mountaintop. We rejoice in Good News. We proclaim God’s goodness. We are happy, content, arrogant. Because while we tell the world that “God is good” and “We are so blessed” what we really mean is that life is going our way. We have made a way and Jesus has allowed it.

It all changes with the diagnosis. The job loss, the heartbreak, the betrayal, all rip apart what we believed. We either draw closer to the life source or pull away, angry at what He has allowed. We deserve better. We know that deep inside. We are bitter. We no longer believe.

Maybe we never really believed in the first place. Maybe our belief was centered on ourselves and our own abilities. Maybe it was all for our glory rather than His. Maybe, just maybe, we were secretly taking credit for the mountaintop.

He beckons us still.

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” – John 20:27

Believe. Can we believe when life turns dark and we don’t see the way? Can we believe when everything we thought we knew lies shattered at our feet? Can we believe when we don’t see Jesus, can we hold on to hope when we don’t see the way?

Today is Easter. We celebrate the resurrection. We proclaim He is alive. We place flowers on the cross and we joyfully celebrate Jesus. It is easy to see Him when we’re surrounded by the goodness of Easter.

The true test comes when we leave the celebration and begin the journey. Do we hold tight to the Resurrection when rocks cause us to stumble and fall? Can we proclaim the Risen Lord when life gets hard and we can’t seem to find Him in our midst? Can we still believe when the path isn’t of our choosing and our shattered hearts can’t see the way?

Easter isn’t just a day. It’s hope that walked out of a tomb and proclaimed life for all who would believe. Do you see Him? Do you really see Him? Hold tight to that. Jesus is alive! And because He lives, we can walk confidently into the unknown.

March 31, 2018

Hope Is Coming

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. – Hebrews 6:19a

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. – Isaiah 53:3-4

Today is the day in between. We have suffered through Good Friday but we haven’t yet seen the miracle of the Resurrection. We our lost, alone, abandoned. Where is hope in the midst of our circumstances?

If you’ve never experienced deep betrayal, harsh words thrown at you, sudden illness, even death, then count yourself fortunate. Jesus warned us that in this world we would have trouble. We see it all around us. We ache from the pain that rips our hearts apart.

We forget that He also said, “I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) We are not lost or alone or abandoned. Hope is coming. Jesus is coming. We just have to get through today.

In the deep valley, it’s sometimes hard to see the sun coming up on the horizon. We look around and see only darkness. The path is rocky, the way unclear. We have been abandoned, rejected by those closest to us. Lies surround us and we wonder if the truth will ever raise its head. It will. Hope is coming.

He was despised by those who didn’t understand. Jesus was mocked and ridiculed. He came to save us all from our sins but we wanted no part of it, of Him. We wanted to live and be a part of this world. We were greedy, arrogant even, in our demands. Until the moment it was all gone. Why did we fight so hard for something we were never meant to have?

This world is not our home. We hear that and nod in agreement. We know what we’re supposed to say, what we’re supposed to believe. Yet we live as though this is all there is. We puff up in self-importance, refusing to acknowledge that it was never about us.

Hope is coming. He hung from a cross. He died so you and I wouldn’t have to spend eternity separated from God. All we have to do is believe, to put our trust, our hope, in Him. Why is it so hard to let go of the things of the world in order to embrace the inheritance that awaits us in heaven?

Maybe we don’t really believe. We know the answers but our hearts tell a different story. Our actions push aside what really matters. We live with our eyes on the prize before us rather than the home that awaits us.

Hope is coming. Jesus was arrested, ridiculed, rejected and abandoned. And yet He loved us enough to conquer death and offer us a way to salvation. Hope in the midst of darkness. Hope in the midst of pain. Hope in the midst of rejection.

Reach out. Don’t you see? There is light just over the horizon. Hang on. Hope is coming.

March 28, 2016

Easter Is More Than One Day

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” -- John 20:19-21

It is the day after Easter. Now what? Is this Monday just another day? Or has our Risen Lord changed you?

Jesus’ followers had watched Him die on a cross. They had seen the body for themselves. They were afraid the same would happen to them. They were afraid death was just around the corner.

And then Jesus appeared and everything changed -- again. Just as Jesus had changed their lives when He called them to follow Him the first time, His reappearance after death was beyond amazing. How could it be? He was dead, wasn’t He? But He wasn’t dead because He was here, before them. They saw the wounds. He was alive. Jesus was alive!

And that changed everything.

These people who cowered in fear became bold in their faith. All the disciples except for John would die a martyr’s death, as would others. It didn’t matter. Jesus had defeated death! That meant dying would bring them home to their Lord. It was worth any cost.

What is your faith worth to you? What would you be willing to sacrifice for Jesus? Sadly, most of us really aren’t willing to sacrifice anything. What would you be willing to do? How far are you willing to go to truly be like Jesus?

People will learn about Jesus through us. We can tell them the gospel story -- certainly that’s a good thing -- but they will truly “hear” the story by watching how we live. Do you consider that as you live the days of your life?

Do you put people down because they are poor, snidely remarking that they should “get a job,” without ever knowing their story? Do you look down on someone because of their skin color, their faith or the neighborhood where they live? Do you use foul language at other drivers? Do you get impatient when you have to wait your turn in line?

Our attitudes reflect our hearts. Does your heart reflect Jesus? Has the resurrection changed you? Or do you go through your days as though nothing has changed?

Easter isn’t meant to be lived on only one day of the year. Remember that today and in all the days to come.

March 27, 2016

Hope Rises Amidst Sorrow

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” -- John 20:15-17

Yesterday during the time when one day becomes the next, a life flight helicopter headed out to do what first responders do. They arrived at an accident scene, loaded a critically injured man on board, and lifted off. The helicopter crashed about ½ mile from the accident scene. All on board were killed.

Young lives gone in the seconds it takes for an aircraft to fall to the ground. I pray they all knew Jesus. I pray that in their grief, the families and friends of these four know with certainty that this heart-wrenching goodbye isn’t forever.

That’s what Jesus did for us. He defeated death so that all who know Him will have eternal life. On this Easter morning, hope has arrived. When we thought all was lost, hope spoke to our hearts. Jesus’ resurrection means that while our time here is temporary, our lives with Him are eternal.

Not long ago a man lamented his son’s lack of faith. The younger man doesn’t believe in Jesus and scoffs at the notion of needing a Savior. He doesn’t need to keep putting this off, the man said. He needs to know where he’s going when he dies.

I couldn’t speak for a moment. This man has been a Christian most of his life. I couldn’t stay silent. Well, I told him, your son may not know where he’s going but you do. He’s going to hell. Only those who believe in Jesus, who accept His gift of salvation, who believe in His resurrection, are going to heaven. Your son isn’t living in a neutral zone. He’s walking on a path to hell.

The man was shocked and couldn’t seem to find words. The truth is not always pretty. I wonder if we really stopped and considered that reality if we would be more open to presenting the gospel to the unsaved? We talk about choices -- and God did give us free will to make those choices -- but isn’t that just an excuse to not push the issue with an unbeliever?

Those four people on that helicopter never expected to die yesterday. The first was fortunate to survive a bad car wreck, only to die in a helicopter crash. The others -- a pilot, a nurse and a medic -- were doing what first responders do. They got a call and they went, in the middle of a rainy night, because someone else needed them.

We all need Jesus. We all need the hope this morning brings. Don’t wait to have that conversation with someone you care, someone who doesn’t share your hope. Tomorrow truly may never come.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Now What?

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” -- John 20:21-22

Did everyone enjoy their Easter Sunday? It was a great day, wasn’t it? We had standing room only attendance at the service I attend. Lots of new dresses and new faces. It was a wondrous day of joy and celebration. And good food. We can’t forget the food.

But today is Monday. We’re back at work or school. Life continues much as it did before. Except that it shouldn’t. Because nothing is the same. The tomb is empty. Our sins forgiven. Grace reigns. And we can never, ever live as we did before.

Look around you. What do you see? Who do you see? Because Jesus called us to care for those around us, to be Him in this darkened world. It’s impossible to do that without really seeing those around us. Not just the “pretty” people. Not just the wealthy. Jesus saw the hurting and the broken. He healed the sick and welcomed the outcast.

That doesn’t fit into our picture of Easter morning and the empty tomb. That pretty picture is for us and for those whom we love. We don’t consider sharing it with the least, the dirty, the shamed, the failure. Yet those are the people Jesus welcomed.

I am blessed with the church family I now call my own. One friend speaks of attending a church where a woman with young children was too ashamed to attended services on Easter Sunday. Her reason? She couldn’t afford new dresses for her little girls and she knew they would be teased and looked down on by others. How incredibly sad. Ever sadder? It still happens in some churches.

Do they not get the point? It’s not about how you dress, it’s about your heart. I have a friend, a dear man who is hurting in ways he refuses to acknowledge. Bitterness is growing inside. He rarely attends church anymore but he’s full of criticism and condemnation for those who do. His main point of contention? How others dress when they enter God’s house.

Jesus gave His very life for those who had nothing and no one. How can we turn our eyes away from those who hurt the most? And yet we do it every day when we fail to see those who are most in need. We cast Jesus aside, forgetting what His life and death really meant, when we refuse to change our words and actions to reflect His.

Today is Monday. Just another day -- until we remember the message of the cross and that empty tomb.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

He

Is

Risen!

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered his words.

-- Luke 24:1-8

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Today Is Maundy Thursday

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, He did not open his mouth.
Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants,
that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave.

But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners. -- Isaiah 53:4-12

There is no way we can ever repay Jesus for what He did for us.

Remember.

And believe.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Christ Lives Within Us

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. -- Galatians 2:20

Folks are beginning to think about Easter. The ladies are shopping for a new dress with shoes to match. The kids eagerly anticipate the Easter bunny and all the chocolate they can imagine. Family gatherings are planned for after the required church service. It will be a glorious day.

Too bad we don’t spend as much time and effort remembering the days leading up to that empty tomb. We forget that sacrifice, rushing past it’s agony and moving on to the glory. But there can be no glory without the cross.

My cross. Your cross. The cross Jesus willing died on to pay for my sins and yours. We like to think of that in general terms. He died for all humanity. He died for everyone. It’s somehow easier than looking in the mirror and saying, “Jesus died for me.”

Some days I imagine myself in His shoes. I think about the whip, with nails entwined in the strap, coming down on my skin again and again. I imagine trying to carry that heavy cross beam, that scholars estimate weighed at least 75 lbs. Then the cross itself. The nails going in. The hours of agony as it becomes harder and harder to breath.

For me. He did it for me. He paid for my sins. His agony was because of me. And I died right there with Him. His victory over sin gave me life. So now I live anew, with His heart within me.

How does that change me? Do I still want what I want or do I yield those desires to the One who gave up everything for me? Do I still worry and fret over things I cannot control or change or do I give them to the One who defeated death? Because He lives within me, my life rests within His almighty hands.

It changes how I view life. It changes how I view others. Problems seem smaller when I see them through the eyes of Jesus. People seem different when I see them through the eyes of Jesus. I look out on a world that seems so dark and yet there is light. Hope. A chance of forever with a Savior who gave all He had to save you and me.

It’s fun to get all dressed up on Easter. It’s great to celebrate and gather with family and friends to share joy and great food. But let us never, ever forget the cost.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Do You Believe In Easter?

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so I wold have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. -- John 14:2

This story was forwarded to me by a good friend. I'd heard or seen it before, but didn't have a copy. I have no idea if Edith Burns was a real person or who originally wrote the story. But it is a wonderful story that touched my heart. I wanted to share it with you.

The Story of Edith Burns

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio. She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure.

Edith began by saying, "My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?

Beverly said, "Why yes I do."

Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"

Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up."

Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, " Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient."

With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."

Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up.

Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter.."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital in Texas. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick. Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work. I'm not interested."

Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never happen,” and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day"

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, "Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."

Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked…" Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death,
burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Oh, I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life.” Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross
did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."

Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14:2, "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying nor pain."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross...Do you believe in Easter?"

If you believe in Easter, forward this on. God works in wonderful ways, and to believe in his power is to truly be free. If Jesus had e-mail, he'd do the same for you. (Actually, maybe He just did)


"Father, bless this person in whatever it is that You know he or she may be needing this day"

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Resurrection Sunday

“Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” -- John 20:15a

I’ve always loved the fact that after His Resurrection Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene. A woman. Jesus had driven seven demons from her and she, along with other women and the disciples, gave up everything to follow Him. It was a different time and culture. Women didn’t get much recognition. But Jesus saw Mary just like He sees you and me.

Mark tells us that when the Sabbath was over Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they go and anoint Jesus’ body. Except the stone had been rolled away from the tomb and there was no body.

Mary was distraught. She ran to tell Peter and John. The men ran to the tomb to see for themselves. John tells us that he outran Peter and got there first. That competitive spirit even in this. They didn’t understand what had happened, though John tells us he saw and believed. Still, both men left and went back to their houses. I guess they needed to think it through.

Mary stayed and wept. And Jesus came to her. Where she was.

Jesus told her to go to the disciples, and tell them the news. And off she went. Obediently. Of course, Jesus would give a woman the task of spreading the word that He had risen. There was no time to think it through and make a plan. There was work to be done. Jesus trusted Mary to do her part.

Today we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior. It has nothing to do with colored eggs and plush bunnies. Nor does it have anything to do with bright colored dresses or a table laden with food. We forget that sometimes. We get so caught up in the festivities that we miss the joy of seeing Jesus and the promise that He gave to all who believe.

Most people know today as Easter Sunday. A better name would be Resurrection Sunday. The day Jesus first appeared after His death on the cross. Living proof of God’s promise. That is what we joyously celebrate on this most Holy of days.