It’s the Easter weekend; an extended period of playtime, longer, lighter days, milder weather (for the moment at least) and the wonders of chocolate chomping.
Yahoo central.
But beyond all that jazz, Easter is of course really about Jesus Christ.
Easter reminds us that even after the worst death imaginable there was life beyond for Jesus because God Almighty raised him back to life.
Wowsers McDoswers.
But what has that got to do with you and I, today?
Well, fortunately for us, the very same God who gave Jesus life beyond his death is the very same God who offers you and I life beyond our deaths.
But, he doesn’t only offer us life beyond death, but also life before death.
And so, this means that whatever awfulness this life throws at us; maybe stuff that makes us want to lay down and not get up again, whether the unexpected shock style stuff or the longer term draggy business of things like this pandemic or even the actual death of someone we love, this God that Easter is all about, AKA Jesus, offers you and I life beyond…
I mean, when we are floored or the rug is pulled or the wind taken out of our sails or whatever cliché you prefer, Jesus is there to help us to recover and recreate life beyond.
It’s a process.
Healing takes time.
But, there is life beyond …
Death; our own or that of those we love
Divorce.
Disaster.
Despair.
Loss.
Trauma.
Abuse.
Any kind of mess that we may make of life, as well as any kind of mess that life may make of us.
In fact, Jesus offers us life beyond anything that could possibly happen to take away our appetite for life.
That God who was mighty enough to lift Jesus beyond his death is the very same God who offers to lift you and I from wherever experiences dampen our desire for life.
With Jesus front and central, there is life beyond anything this life can throw at us.
If only we will accept his invitation.
I’ve often thought how incredible it was that the criminal who was crucified next to Jesus got a last minute pass to be with Jesus beyond death. But I also can’t help but think what an absolute tragedy to have not met Jesus during his life. I mean, better late than never for sure but to have gone an entire life without the creator of the entire universe by your side to accompany and assist you in all, good, bad and heinous.
What a waste.
This Easter I am encouraged afresh as I admire the beautiful offerings of nature for it reminds me that despite the pandemic or any other trials, new life continues to spring forth.
But, I am also encouraged by the internal new life on offer from Jesus Christ.
This is what Easter is about.
It is a timely reminder after this year in particular, that with Jesus, there is always the offer of life beyond …
What a gift.
What a God.
May we all take time this Easter to reacquaint ourselves with the God who loves to gift us with life beyond …