Easter is Coming! By Lisa Burkhardt Worley
Growing up, Easter was about Easter egg hunts and beautiful baskets filled with candy. I used to get excited the week before the holiday because I knew Easter was coming and it was special. Now, as a Christian, Easter means so much more. It is the remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us, so that we could both enter the Holy of Holies where God resides, as well as gain eternal life. In my life there is nothing more important than what occurred on Easter.
However, as we meditate on and remember Holy Week, it is also good to think about the first century followers of Jesus on this day between Good Friday and Easter. Can we imagine what that might have been like for them? They were in mourning and scared at the same time. John 20:19 says, “The disciples were afraid of the Jewish leaders, and on the evening of that same Sunday they locked themselves in a room.” The disciples did not know if they would be arrested due to their association with Jesus or if they were next on the crucifixion list. It’s too bad there was no one there who could assure them, “Easter is coming!”
We are fortunate to be living on this side of the cross. When we go through something difficult, we need to remember what Jesus accomplished for us as well as hold onto some of his promises that have lifetime guarantees:
He gives us rest. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
He provides strength. “…my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
He is the answer to anxiety. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).
He works good out of bad. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
No matter what we are enduring right now, we know that because of what Jesus did for us at Easter, we can seek provision from Him. There is hope and joy available to us if we ask, and healing from brokenness. If you are in a period of waiting, it’s time to remind yourself that Easter is coming! Relief could be a prayer away.
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15–16).