Alive
It is curious that we have managed to confuse what is and isn’t life. Whether something is alive or just a bunch of cells.
Seems like many have more regard for a single celled amoeba than they do for a miraculously growing baby. These are the times we live in. The enemy has done a great job of blinding eyes, hardening hearts, and convincing souls that self knows what is best.
Because self is on the throne, most of the time, the convincing isn’t too hard. So if we can call unimportant, useless, inconvenient a pre-born baby – just think of how we would view an ordinary looking man claiming to be Jesus. For most, it was very inconvenient when He walked the earth. “He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.” (John 1:10 BSB)
Jesus came to serve. Not something most of us want to consider, we would rather be served. Through His serving, He healed bodies and souls. He spoke freedom to hearts long-surrendered to no hope. He poured Himself out without asking for anything in return.
Jesus came to die. Again, not something we like pondering. His very life had a death warrant from the beginning. When He began His ministry, and for the next three years, He spoke truth. This really bothered (annoyed, angered, and inconvenienced) those in charge. If indeed He was Messiah, this was not good timing in their opinion.
“He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” (John 1:11 BSB)
So how do you view the Christ? Is He okay when He doesn’t dampen your fun? Good when He allows you to survive a catastrophe? Perhaps He’s a real pain because right now you just want to live on your own terms and not have to think about your sin-full heart.
Here’s Easter: mankind is not in charge. God is on the throne, always has been, always will be. He had a plan before the beginning and His plan for the eternity of those who love His Son cannot be thwarted. His love for man cannot be diminished no matter our past. His forgiveness is complete. His offer of a no more sorrow, no more pain eternity is a free gift.
This Easter if you know Him, make Him known. If you don’t know Him, I can tell you He’s a whole lot better than a chocolate bunny, a family dinner, or Sunday afternoon nap. Jesus died and Jesus is ALIVE and no matter what you “believe” – He is coming again. Be ready and you will be more alive than you have ever been.
“But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12 BSB)
parisrenae 
Paris, your thoughts here brought a thought to my mind 🙂
Jesus lived.
Jesus died.
Jesus lives.
Two events are past tense. But one is present and active and ongoing! May we rejoice in this today and everyday. He is eternally living and one day, we will live eternally as well. May you have a blessed Easter!
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