On Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the grave. The Resurrection proved death is no match for God. We need not fear death, because God is greater. And if we need not fear death, then why fear anything else?
Christians should live fearless lives, since we do not fear death. Hell does not await us. And the Scriptures teach us Jesus has gone to prepare an eternal dwelling for us. Wherever and whatever heaven is, it is more than enough, because it is in the eternal presence of God. In heaven, we finally will reside where we were created to abide, and we will become fully what we were created to be—beings who adore and glorify God.
I also look forward to heaven because I will be with my family and friends who died in Christ. I don't know exactly what to expect. In fact, Jesus played down the family aspect of heaven. But I anticipate joy in the presence of others whom God created and loves and whom Jesus calls his own. I trust those relationships—untainted by sin and mistaks and misunderstandings—will be far sweeter than any I've known in this life. That's saying something huge, because my family and friends have sustained me all the days of this life.
This year, as I've anticipated Easter, I've thought quite a bit about redemption and forgiveness of sin. This is a humbling exercise, because I've been reminded how much forgiveness I need. I am Adam's younger brother—a fallen, broken, sinful person. Unworthy of approaching God. Unworthy of forgiveness. Unworthy of holding my head up.
And yet, Jesus died for me. In the miracle of atonement, he bore the separation from God—spiritual and physical death—that I deserve. Can you fathom that kind of love? It overwhelms the mind and swamps the emotions. Unworthy, yet loved and redeemed.
Tangibly, Easter lasts only 24 short hours. This holiest, happiest of days dawns, and we rejoice with fellow believers and family. And then the sun sets, and life moves forward.
But I want to live in the light of Easter morning far beyond this one spin of the Earth. Remembering Jesus defeated death—after he bore my sin to the grave—fills my heart with gratitude. And gratitude propels me to seek to be Christ's presence in others' lives, not only at Easter, but throughout the year.
Of course, I know I will fail. But the dawning of each new day is a reminder of that glorious Easter morning, and a reminder that in each day God provides, I can seek to express my gratitude by glorifying God and blessing others.
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