Spring break was only a few days away, but so was April 15th—tax day. Ugh!
Spring break and tax day conjure up different emotions. Total excitement for the first, but utter dread for the second.
Easter is the holiest day of the Christian calendar. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the grave. It is also a time of remembrance and celebration, promising both the possibility of new life in this world as well as eternal life. Without Easter, Christians would have no reason to celebrate.
Think of the emotions Jesus experienced when He said to His disciples, “Two days away and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” While it’s impossible to fully imagine what this must have been like for Jesus, it should make us ponder the idea. Jesus knew the timing of His death. If we knew the same—depending on whether it was sooner or later, we might be anxious.
When my husband Richard was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, our world stopped. We knew this was an early death sentence which would change the future we had dreamed of. Our anticipation exploded like a popped balloon.
Jesus knew two days later He would face crucifixion. While death would result from the cruelty of the cross, He knew death would not have the final word. Love and obedience would lead to the hope that would abound in the resurrection three days later. Eternal life—not only for Jesus but also for anyone who would put their faith, hope, and trust in Him, would be possible. Love would triumph over death.
Because of Jesus, death will not have the final say over Alzheimer’s, cancer, or any other human malady. “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where O death, is your victory? Where O death, is your sting?” “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55, 57 NIV).
Anticipate the benefits of eternal life.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Sherry Sharp seeks and collects hearts, both literally and figuratively. Through writing and speaking, she wants her audience to join her in seeking and finding the heart of God in everyday life experiences. She is the author of Life Interrupted, Chicken Soup for the Soul, April Edition, 2014, where she shares her personal journey with her husband Richard through younger onset Alzheimer’s disease. Sherry serves as a director of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. She is president of The Rick Sharp Alzheimer’s Foundation and is an advisor to Sweet Monday Ministry.