It won’t be long until we will be celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This photo is of my daughter on Easter several years ago. Notice the bunny, the basket, the new outfit with a bonnet. That’s quite a long way from the events in the Bible that make it possible for us to have an Easter. My view of Easter has grown since this photo.

First we couldn’t have an Easter to celebrate the resurrection unless we first had a death. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of this world. In the Bible we can read the written accounts of four different men who walked with Jesus and witnessed his death. They saw the brutal beating that He endured as He made His way to the cross. They watched as the nails were driven into his feet and wrists. They saw the agony He suffered for close to six hours on the cross. They watched as the one whom they had put their trust in was ridiculed, beaten and eventually died on the cross. But the great news is that He didn’t go away.

I can only imagine the anguish that the disciples had as they watched Jesus go to the cross. Did they question God and wonder why God would allow this to happen? I’m almost sure that their struggle was way bigger than any that I’ve had, but it could have been the same. As I understand it, they were at best perplexed and confused as they didn’t really understand what was happening. I can relate to that because I don’t understand why things happen and I can’t explain easily what’s going on. Often in life I find myself struggling with the problems of life and wondering where God is and wondering why hasn’t He stepped into my world and helped with my problem. But like them, I just don’t understand what is happening.

So how do I get to celebrate the real reason for Easter? It starts with what I believe. According to scripture I must believe that Jesus is the messiah, sent to save a world that was condemned. And I must believe that He died on the cross as atonement for my sins. I must repent of my sins and turn from living a sinful life and surrender to Jesus all that I have and all that I am. Romans chapter 10 summed it up like this………….

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 
ROMANS 10:9-13

This is just a couple of thoughts that I’ve had about Easter. There’s other thoughts running through my mind. Maybe that means there’s another post coming soon. In the meantime, what’s your thoughts on Easter?