2008-03-24 - Easter: The View From Here

"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.'" (Luke 24:6-7 NIV)

Growing up, my Easters were filled with colorful eggs, the Easter bunny, and chocolate. I sat in Sunday school, listening how Easter was the day to celebrate Jesus' place in Heaven. We colored a picture of what we imagined Jesus looked like and left feeling gooey and happy. That was only part of the story.

The darkness, agony, and pain of Good Friday was glossed over. Perhaps the teachers were trying to protect our young minds from the gruesomeness of the life-changing event.

Now that I am older, I am more aware of the impact Jesus' crucifixion means to us, the human race. Easter isn't just a marketing ploy to get consumers to buy artificially colored grass and marshmallow treats, it's a celebration to commemorate Jesus' miraculous sacrifice.

No matter how many Easter dinners we have cooked or eaten, I pray this Sunday we will see something new and different about the holy day. For me, it is the realization that Jesus is praying for us. The Son of God isn't too busy for our individual needs. Jesus forever lives to intercede with God on our behalf. (Hebrews 7:25)

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! (Psalm 139:17-18 NLT)

Lord, we thank Jesus for dying in our place. Jesus loved us more than the hurt, isolation, and rejection He felt on the cross. This act of selflessness made our slates clean. If that wasn't enough, Jesus even prays for our personal needs. How worthy a Mighty God we serve! Amen.

lisa@cfdevotionals.org

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