New Life - reflections on Easter

On Palm Sunday we remember the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds waved palm branches and sang, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." If the story ended there, you might guess that Jesus was on his way to becoming the new king. But the story didn't end there.

Just a few days later, Jesus was in front of another crowd. This time they were crying, "Crucify him, crucify him!" And they did. Jesus died a painful, humiliating death on a cross. If the story ended there, it would have been a tragedy. But thank God, there's more!

On the third, some women went to the tomb where Jesus' body had been placed. When they got there, they found the stone rolled away and Jesus' body gone! An angel told them, "He is risen! Just as he said." Soon after, Jesus appeared to all his disciples. He taught them many more things, then he ascended into heaven. So, is this the end of the story? It would be a happy ending for sure, but I think there is more.

What does this story have to with you and me? Because Jesus rose from the dead, you and I have the offer of eternal life with Him. Now that really is good news! But there is STILL more!

You don't have to wait until you get to heaven to experience the new life that Jesus offers. You can experience it now! Are there any "dead" areas in your life? Could your marriage use a breath of fresh air? How about your relationship with your kids, or with your parents? Are there any areas of struggle or sin or difficulty in your life? The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to heal your marriage or to help you defeat that stubborn sin - right now!

All you have to do is ask! God wants you to. "Ask and it shall be given to you. Seek and ye shall find. Knock and the door shall be open to you." Matthew 7:7

*Thank you to Pastor Joel Johnson (Westwood Community Church) and Pastor Dave Johnson (Church of the Open Door). Your teaching has influenced me tremendously.