Easter: Resurrection, Life, and Joy

I was so blessed this past Easter. It was a slightly different experience for me...as I didn't spend it with my husband and either of our families. I spent it with my church family, the body of Christ, for worship, and then a couple of dear friends from church for Easter dinner. And I was blessed!

When I arrived at church on Sunday, I was about five minutes late. This was slightly discombobulating for me as all Easter services are packed and our contemporary service was no exception! I slid into the front row, which wasn't a big deal, because I enjoy sitting up front.....and started worshipping with the band and the rest of the group of believers.

The service was wonderful but I can truly say that the message was what touched my heart the most. I found that what our pastor shared was just what I needed to hear. First, he reminded us that, in the same way that God took care of the stone at the burial site of Christ, that He can take care of all stones and obstacles in our life. Then he also reminded us of how important it was that Christ was buried. First of all, it proves he had died. Secondly, in His burial, Christ was carrying our sins to the grave. When He rises from the dead, in a glorified body, He leaves our sins behind--never again to haunt us or torment us! They were buried and are no more!

While those points in the sermon were incredibly important for me to hear.....there is one more point he made. That was most important. He talked about when everyone is asking the 'why' questions about the crucifixion and Jesus' situation, Jesus answer the question with a who response, NOT a why response. He says 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will never perish but shall have eternal life.'

Why was this so important? I can ask why all I want. I sometimes do wonder why.....Samantha, Dominic, and Noah were taken....I don't have an answer. And yet, as our pastor said, Jesus chooses not to answer the why questions sometimes. But He does answer the who question. Pastor said 'Is it enough for you to know that? That He is the resurrection and the life? He may never answer the why but He answered the who. Do you believe that?'

I do believe that. With all my heart. Despite my circumstances, and the struggles, we've had...I believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and He is our hope!!!

One day, we will be reunited with our three precious children...and I pray that the children God blesses us with on earth...will grow to know Him and glorify His name...and that one day, our family will be together and things will finally be right.

Thank you, Lord, that you were forsaken so that we never will be. Thank you, Lord, for carrying our sins far away. And thank you, for giving us eternal life......We would be so lost in despair without you. We love you beyond measure because you loved us first.

~Shannon