Glory of Easter

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."
- I Corinthians 15:3-4

What is the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Easter? Coloring eggs, Easter egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, dressing up for church, and family gatherings are the popular choices. I remember growing up with the same ideas and images about Easter. It wasn't until after becoming an adult and giving my heart and life to Jesus did I get the real story and the ultimate meaning of Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

So, as much of the world commercializes this special day or completely ignores the significance of what Christ accomplished, I wanted to take a moment for us to be reminded of the true symbols of the Easter Story. Join me for a moment or two as we see the difference between the world's view of these symbols and the awesome, eternal power they have in our lives through Jesus Christ.

1) THE CROSS- In the world that Jesus entered into over 2,000 years ago - a Roman-dominated world - the cross was a sign of punishment, shame, and guilt. There was nothing beautiful about the symbol that many wear today as jewelry or that fills almost every church around the world. The cross was the form of execution of criminals and was a gruesome form of death meant to be a deterrent to other possible rebels and a public humiliation of the criminal. Galatians 3:13 says, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, as it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.'" Yet, the very cross that Jesus bore and died upon was the place that the punishment and guilt were erased and our sins were forgiven. He hung not as a criminal, but as the Christ. He died not as a scoundrel, but as a Sacrifice and the Savior of the world. "For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God."- I Corinthians 1:18

2) The BLOOD- I don't think anybody likes blood. Some people become faint, some scream, some close their eyes at the first sight of it. Blood stains, and it can be gruesome. Jesus' blood was spilled and shed as He was beaten mercilessly, addressed mockingly, and nailed violently to the Cross. Blood truly represents loss. In fact, if you feel like you can handle the detailed report, check out the following site to get a more accurate grasp of what Christ suffered- http://lifemywalkwithgod.blogspot.com/2008/03/medical-account-of-crucifixion.html. It was painfully excruciating and was downright ugly. Blood is a symbol of loss, but it is also a symbol of life as our bodies must have it to survive. It was His blood that opened the door for the forgiveness of sins and the flow of life to course through ours. "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed."- I Peter 2:24

3) The STONE- There is no greater dead end than death. Make no mistake: Jesus knew He would die, and it is the very reason He came to the world. Jesus said with confidence inJohn 12:27-28, "Now My heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour?' No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your Name!" Death is difficult to digest and something that each of us will inevitably be confronted with (at least at a physical dimension). Death is sorrowful, as we see the lives that are impacted by the death of a loved one. There is also a finality to death that leaves people with too many questions, open wounds, and unfulfilled desires. But because of what Jesus did on that very first Easter, death does not have final say nor is it the final place for us. Jesus brought a victory over death and is alive forevermore, and because of that we too can live. "But Christ indeed has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."- I Corinthians 15:20

So this Easter week take time to reflect on and rejoice in the price Christ paid, the work Christ completed, as He bore what the world views negatively, but what we have come to discover as both necessary and beautiful!