Another Change of Seasons
I once heard a preacher say that too many people are trying to get into the Promised Land without going through the wilderness. It might also be said that too many people are trying to get to Easter without going through Good Friday.
Without the resurrection there is no victory and there is no savior. But without the crucifixion there is no forgiveness. That sets us free from sin, and forgiveness is made possible because of Jesus’ death on the cross for us.
God’s plan for our salvation involved both death and resurrection. Our sinful nature must die with Christ in order for God to raise up in us a new person, a person of faith who loved God even as he or she has been loved by God.
Our sinful nature does not go easily into death. Selfishness and pride cling stubbornly to our hearts. But, when we see Jesus hanging on the cross because of our selfishness and pride, we realize how foolish we have been and we repent. Our selfishness dies with Jesus on the cross, and only then can we experience the resurrection life that God grants to all who put their trust in Jesus.
Christians are often referred to as Easter people because we find our life in the resurrection of our Lord. But the road to life always leads through the cross. As Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. For he who would save his life will lose it, and who loses his life for my sake will find it.”
May you have a blessed Easter.
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Tom