Apr2014_Faith and Living

… Gary Levens 

Easter is upon us.  The most significant of all the Christian festivals.  It is the time when the Christian church highlights the sacrificial death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I say “highlights” because we actually celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus every day.  There is so much about what Jesus accomplished that first Easter, that there simply is not room here to speak of it all.  Allow me then to share two significant things that the death and resurrection of Jesus means to me. 

 

Forgiveness of sin.  The human heart was simply not designed to carry around the results of sin, hurts, offences and disappointments.  Those things can build-up in our heart like the gunk inside a drain until we become so clogged and laden that it makes our life tainted and stinky.  Our heart becomes like a smelly, un-emptied rubbish can.  (Have you ever forgotten to put your wheelie-bin out in the height of summer? – Phew!!)  Through my faith in the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus, I can “be emptied”, cleansed and forgiven whenever I need it!  What an incredible experience that is. 

 

Resurrection life.  As a pastor, I’m often called to the bedside of a person who is soon to die.  I’ve felt the depth of despair from someone who has no hope of eternal life.  I simply don’t have the words to express how grateful I am that the resurrection of Jesus bought eternal life for everyone who receives Him.  The Apostle Paul said, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 

 

That life is in Him.  Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” 

Easter is certainly a time to be glad for more than simply chocolate eggs and a holiday.  Although, they’re nice too! 

 

Gary Levens is pastor of Dayboro Church