This last year has been described in many ways: unprecedented, strange, odd, challenging; the list could go on and on. Many of us have described it in these terms. Numerous people have battled through COVID-19 some people that we know and love have lost their lives during this time.
We have seen financial and political challenges that have been difficult to navigate through. Much turmoil has impacted our lives.
Welcome to the scene that Jesus came into during His walk on this earth. The Roman government was oppressive, people became sick and died, challenges were part of the order of that day. The ministry of Jesus impacted some of these issues: healing sick bodies, providing tax money from a fishing trip, even His entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday was viewed by many people as an attempt to overthrow the Roman government that was so oppressive. Yet not every sick body was healed. Further it seems that only one fisherman caught a fish carrying money and finally Jesus did not come to overthrow an oppressive government.
He did in fact come to make a way that sinful and broken human beings could trade in their damaged lives for new life through His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave. When we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are rejoicing over the ability for all our sin, shame, pain and even fears to be cancelled because of the work of the cross.
Our joy and hope resemble that of the followers of Jesus when they understood that even though they had seen Him die, death was defeated, and abundant life is offered both now and for eternity. Our hope and joy have little to do with the turmoil around us; COVID-19, political and social challenges are real issues but no match for the splendor of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
When we grasp these truths and embrace Him through faith our lives will forever be impacted. We will live as overcomers no matter the challenge.
If you are looking for a place to worship this Easter Sunday, our service at Crossroads Assembly is at 10:30 a.m. May God bless you and I pray your faith is firmly place in the finished work of Jesus Christ!!
