I love Easter and the celebration of the new life and new hope we have because of the resurrection.
However . . .
The day after the very first Easter, many things were the same as the week before.
- The self-indulgent and pleasure-seeking King Herod was still on the throne.
- The evil empire of Pontius Pilate, Caesar, and Rome was still in control.
- The hypocritical Chief Priests still ran the exclusive religious club in Jerusalem.
- And the disciples of Jesus, though profoundly encouraged by their risen Savior and Lord, were still trying to figure out what's next.
Yep, the disciples' lives were forever changed, but the culture they lived in was still broken and dark.
Without question, all Christ-followers are rescued from the “dominion of darkness” because of the empty grave. But our struggle against the "powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil" is far from over.
Easter settled the war's victor, but it did not stop the battle.
In fact, for over 2,000 years, the conflict continues to rage.
- Self-indulgent and pleasure-seeking rulers still serve themselves rather than the people.
- Evil empires abound.
- Hypocritical religious leaders are everywhere (at times, I am one of them).
How then should we live in times like these where humans haven't truly changed all that much since Easter 33 AD?
Let's do what Peter and the other men and women who followed Jesus did:
- Keep your eyes on the King. He won. He wins. End of story.
- Impact your evil culture by boldly proclaiming the good news, by radically loving the unlovely, by serving those who don't deserve it, and by selflessly loving one another no matter what. Do that. A lot.
- Own your brokenness. We are all still in the process of becoming who we are in Jesus. Remember, God lifts up the humble but opposes the proud, so don't be a pompous person or leader.
No matter what, don't kid yourself (or let the enemy fool you into lethargy or despair)—you're on a battleship now, not a cruise ship.
Whether Jesus returns tomorrow or a thousand tomorrows from tomorrow, there's still a lot of work to be done—so get to it, my friend, and don't grow weary in the battle.
Fight on.
Literally, billions of lives are in the balance.
"Since millions of faithful have gone before us
and they're watching us now,
get rid of what gets in the way of finishing well.
Keep your eyes on the One who started something new in you
and who will help you grow in your faith.
Jesus suffered for you,
and He lives for you at the side of the Father.
Remember, He fought the battle against death and won,
so don't quit or lose heart in your daily struggle with darkness."
Hebrews 12:1-3 (Bubna Paraphrase)
Just what I needed Kurt. Sometimes I get tired and ask myself why do I have to be the one to serve others by….. fill in the blank.
I frequently need reminding that anything I do to serve is trivial stuff compared to the greatest Servant Leader of all – Jesus himself. So even when it doesn’t feel like we’re winning, we all just have to keep on keeping on. The war is won but the battle still rages on Thanks for that reminder.
You are most welcome, Bob. Always appreciate your input.
Amen. Indeed not to get weary but to keep fighting on.
Yes, and we fight the battle together! You are loved!
Kurt, thanks for the read, captured a few things that I didn’t consider. Interesting that the title caught my eye in that a few days before Easter. Mark 16, the entire chapter gives an accurate (obviously) account what to expect as believers. I’m stuck on the ascension…Jesus is “seated at the right hand of the Father” and we’ve been given commands and it’s all listed in the chapter. Ascension for me although certainly death, burial and resurrection is of utmost importance; we can not stop there because Jesus is not being resurrected “annually”. Thank you for allowing me to share!
Wow. Great insights, thank you for sharing.
Kurt,
Thank you so much for the above!
Your words I hear loud and clear. He did and I will as well to the best of my humanly power. I am a sinner saved by his Grace. Show me and guide me every day of my life Lord I’m a willing open broken vessel wanting to follow like never before.
Well said, Kate, thank you for adding to the conversation!
Thanks for this en-couraging word, Kurt. We need all the courage God has for us! May the Lord guide each of us in what we’re to do – in and for Him.
Yes, we all do, Mary. Thank you!