Make the most of the Easter season as you meditate on the love that took Jesus to the cross.
At Christmas, we have presents, fun traditions, and it’s all about God sending the gift of His Son. But Easter — that’s about sin and guilt, angry mobs, brutal crucifixion, and then an empty tomb. Or is it? If not for Christ’s willing death, we would still be dead in our sins. If not for His resurrection, we’d have no hope of eternal life.
This is worth meditating on, to come before the Lord and prepare our hearts for renewal. It’s a way of identifying with Christ, who endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him, according to Hebrews 12:2.
Let’s re-acquaint ourselves with the gospel first by getting back to our first love, the One who is forever and always faithful. I’s time for all of us, not just the ones far from God, to hear some good news.
According to the Psalms, God is our:
Sun and Shield (84:11)
Father, God, our Rock (89:26)
Dwelling place (90:1)
Refuge and Fortress (91:2)
Great God and Maker (95:3,6)
Salvation, Helper, Strength and Defense (118:7, 14)
Maker of Heaven and earth (121:2)
And He is:
Mighty and established forever like the moon (89:8, 37)
The Most High (91:1)
Upright (92:15)
Robed in majesty and armed with strength (93:1)
Holy (99:9)
Compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love (103:8)
Greater than all gods (135:5)
And He:
Founded the world and created the north and the south (89:11-12)
Fashioned the ear and formed the eye and knows all human plans (94:9-10)
Sits enthroned forever (102:12)
Does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities (103:10)
Set the earth on its foundations and at His rebuke, the waters flee (104:5,7)
Will not slumber but He will watch over your life (121:3,7)
Determines the number of stars and calls them each by name and He delights in those who fear Him (147:4,11)
Here are some ideas on how to prepare our hearts for Easter…
1. Read through Jesus’ life on earth in the Gospels, some verses each day. Then write a prayer or a poem in response to that day’s reading. Not a poet? You might be surprised! After all, it’s just between you and God.
2. Sing or read hymns about the cross. You might find yourself humming them during the day, turning others’ hearts toward Jesus as well! Hymns like “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” and “Amazing Love” have beautiful lyrics to meditate on and sing to God.
3. Mark the days leading up to Easter by sharing the Resurrection eggs story. This is a favorite for families with young children. We have copies of these in the church office to pick up, if you would like examples.
4. Many people fast during the days until Easter. Don’t just fast, but fast and pray. If you fast from time spent in one activity and spend that time with God in prayer, you might find that it’s a habit worth continuing even after Easter.
5. Read a book or devotional focusing on Jesus’ death and resurrection. These can be checked out at our church library.
6. Pray about how you are going to observe this wonderful season.
As you invest your time pressing into God, ask Him to impart Himself to you in a fresh way. With a prayer like that, you won’t be able to contain the revelation, hope, and power that will overflow from deep within you. Then watch your Easter experience come to life again. All because it came alive in you first.
“Alleluia, He is risen!” “He is risen indeed!”