Easter is a sham…if you don’t see your sins on Jesus’ shoulders as he hung on the cross (they were there) and if you see nothing special about the empty tomb.
Easter is a sham…if “The Final Four” is more important to you than “The Blessed One,” Jesus Christ.
Easter is a sham…if you worry more about merchandise than about God’s mercy.
Easter is a sham…if, like Thomas, you need to see it to believe it. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
Easter is a sham…if you’re too busy to worship the Sunday after Easter. That would be two weeks in a row, downright habit-forming…
Easter is a sham…if the next time you plan to come to worship is Christmas.
Easter is a sham…if furry, fuzzy bunnies dominate the landscape of your mind rather than the cold, hard wood of the cross, and the amazing empty tomb.
Easter is a shame…if your talk of spring, rebirth, and renewal doesn’t include the confident expectation of the bodily resurrection on the Last Day.
Easter is a sham…and it would truly be a shame…if you think that after April 9th Easter’s impact will be over for another year.
Easter is a sham? No way! Consider this an early April Fool’s, if you like. But Easter is too precious to treat lightly. Don’t shortchange the power! Don’t underestimate the victory! Through the risen Christ Jesus, you are victorious over sin, death and hell!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” (1 Peter 1:3,4)
To God alone be the glory!
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand