Posted: 22 April 2011
Today most places around the world are celebrating Good Friday, the day that Christ was tried, convicted, led to the cross, was crucified, and died. To many people however, this is just a fable, an allegory, or story. This Sunday morning, is what most of the world calls Easter Sunday, which correctly should be Resurrection Day, or more accurately, Resurrection Remembrance Day. To most of these people, it is a day of family get together, nice dinners, children having Easter egg hunts, and so forth. Many do not fully understand the significance of these two days, and the day in between them. They are not fully to blame for their ignorance. Society has had a great part to play in their lack of knowledge, and even the Church has to take some of the blame. (See Hosea 4:6) Why the Church you may ask?
Many Christian Churches have become complacent and many present a watered-down version of the Gospel and its true teachings. Those that have become complacent have done so because they have found for themselves a comfortable niche and no longer venture out like they use to. They are comfortable where they are and don't want to make waves or draw attention to themselves. Yet they wonder why their membership numbers are dwindling away to nothing. Those that present a watered-down version of the Gospel do so because they want to get more people into their church (basically they are concerned more with numbers than with true Biblically teaching) and have become politically correct because they want to look good in the eyes of the world and don't want to offend anyone. Both of these types of churches are in grave error and are partly to blame for those who do not fully comprehend what the real meaning of this weekend is all about.
We need to go forth boldly and in confidence as we proclaim the true meaning and the importance of these three days. There are so many people who are lost in the darkness of the world and are hurting and feeling all alone. They need to know that Good Friday represents the day that Christ died upon the cross for everyone and took the sins of the whole world upon himself and suffered the penalty for our rejection of God and His Word (John 1:29, Hebrews 9:28). They need to know that on Sunday, He rose physically from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:4). They need to know that by accepting Jesus as their Lord and Saviour that they may receive eternal life, and are no longer lost or alone. They need to know that Christ and Christ alone can wash them clean from their sins (John 11:25, Acts 4:12). They also need to know that without Him, there is eternal damnation and everlasting punishment (Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15).
So where are you? Are you sitting in your comfortable niche and letting the world pass you by and giving up the opportunity to witness the Power of the Cross to those who are lost? Are you worried about what people will think if you tell them what the need to hear and not what they want to hear? Jesus said:
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 10:33
During these three days go out and share the true Gospel message and meaning of these special and powerful days. Give someone the opportunity to turn away from the darkness of the world and come to the Light of Truth, Love, and Forgiveness, which is found only in Christ Jesus.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Have a Happy and Blessed Resurrection Remembrance Day.