This Side of Easter

During Lent I did a devotional study called, 'This Side of Easter." The study challenged us to live in response to the resurrection. It pointed out that the disciples didn't know that the tomb was empty. The promise of the resurrection had not been fulfilled yet for those that walked with and encountered Jesus during his earthly ministry. But, for us we know the rest of the story. We know that death doesn't win. We know that the pain and the suffering of Friday is not all that there is. We know that the silence of Saturday is not all that can be heard. Yet, too often we live like we don't know the promise of Easter. We live like the tomb is not empty. We life like it is Friday. We live on the other side of Easter and not on this side.

Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!

Let's live like it. Take some risks for the sake of Christ. We know that pain and suffering are not the end of the story. Enter into the suffering of others knowing fully that resurrection has happened and will happen again. Risk love. Risk it all for the sake of the Gospel. The tomb is empty. Jesus is risen. He is risen indeed. Live like Easter people.

After the resurrection and the disciples seeing the resurrected Jesus they lived radically, passionately, and boldly for the sake of the good news. They risked it all to love like Jesus. They understood the rest of the story and lived, really lived, for Christ's sake. They worshiped with their lives. They loved God passionately and intentionally. They loved one another deeply and compassionately. The gave of their time, their talents, and their possessions radically to meet the needs of others and to serve Christ. The cared for the orphans and the widows, they welcomed the stranger, and they loved in real and tangible ways like Jesus.

Here we are on this side of Easter. Thanks be to God.

Love today.

In Christ's love and mine,

Doug