"I can remember the mornings of rising to seek out the goodies left by the Easter bunny. I must confess to you that there's still a thrill I feel about chomping into a choclate egg filled with cream and caramel. I'm not wanting to deal a death blow to the traditional seek-and-find game of Easter Sunday morning, but I'm concerned that, in the midst of it all, we retain clear vision on the significance of the day.
It is a joyful experience to be part of a congregation [of listeners!] among whom Easter is not a climax, but a commencement.
It's the sunrise of God's destined purpose for us that is revealed through Jesus. It declares, 'My destiny is as certain as my Lord's... my security is as immovable as His throne... my victory is as certain as His resurrection.' It's a time of resurrection and revelation (an unveiling), the discovering of life made possible through the final work of Jesus our King.
Life begins at Easter and flourishes from there... while, for the world, the closest they come to the joy and rejoicing of this season is wrapped up in chocolate rabbits and eggs. It might be stretching it a bit, but an egg is a great illustration of Easter, for, in time, it will spring forth into life. The resurrection of our Lord produces life-changing results - the cracking open of the crusty hardness of life and opens men and women up to the touch of our resurrected Lord.
Life begins at Easter and, oh, how that life thrusts us into new and rich direction. To those visiting with us [here] today, we extend greetings along with a short explanation of things we see springing forth in out midst because He lives:
* Because He lives, we praise Him often (Psalm 100:4)... the doorway to understanding God and His way for us. We spend much time in worship singing, and expressing thanksgiving and extolling the living God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
* Because He lives, we seek to know Him better (John 8:32)... the foundation upon which durable living is built. We give a great emphasis to the teaching of the Word of God. The liberating power of the truth makes possible positive hope for life.
* Because He lives, we enjoy His love (Ephesians 4:15)... A stark contrast to traditional ritual or religious practice, Jesus Himself moves among us in love, working His healing, forgiving, fulfilling power through us. Anticipate the resurrection power and life of Jesus to happen in areas of your life this day.
Pastor Ron Mehl"