An Easter Postscript

Easter has come and gone. We joined our voices in singing that great Easter hymn, "Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Hallelujah!" affirming the realities of His resurrection. We responded to the acclamation, "He is risen!," with joy and delight, "He is risen, indeed!" The cross was remembered. The sufferings of Jesus were remembered. The empty tomb was celebrated. Now, it is back to life as usual.

Unfortunately that is often how it is. Many of those who jammed into our crowded sanctuaries and worship centers this past Sunday will not be seen again...until Christmas. The enthusiasm of preparation and remembering will quickly fade into the humdrum of the ordinary. Why does our Christian walk seem to be so ordinary? Why is the excitement so quickly dissolved? How can we maintain an "Easter enthusiasm" throughout the remainder of the year?

Let me suggest that we need to, first of all, have a new vision of Jesus Christ. The disciples' joys had vanished after the arrest and later crucifixion of Jesus. I believe it was a pretty somber group there in that Upper Room those two days, huddling and fearing that sudden knock on the door. But then Jesus came and those joys were restored. I believe it is time for us to look around and see Jesus in our places of employment. In our homes and families. In our neighborhoods. In our towns and villages. In our playgrounds. It seems that we don't look for Jesus anymore, at least we don't expect Him to show up. Perhaps if we would begin to write down those "Jesus sightings" on a daily basis we might rediscover the excitement that seeing Jesus can bring. Get out of your Upper Room and see Jesus around you. He is there, make no mistake about that!

Next, let's have a renewed passion for the Scriptures. I shall always remember that statement from the lips of those two who walked with Jesus that day along the Emmaus Road: "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us" (Luke 24:32). Friend, when was the last time you truly got excited over a portion of the Word of God? When was the last time you read a passage, then re-read it, then re-read it again, not wanting to leave it because of its impact upon your heart and soul? May the Word of God become more precious to us than gold and silver.

Yes, Easter is past; but the realities of the resurrection of Jesus are never past. They are to be experienced every day. They are to be our daily hope. They are to be our constant encouragement. Friends, don't let the joys of Easter fade from your life. May the excitement of that news "He is risen, indeed!" stimulate you to love and good deeds for Him.