Ever had something change your life forever? I have.
My family moved from small town Ohio to Oklahoma City when I was 13. I fell in love; It didn’t work out. I chose to go into a job field that wasn’t my major in college. I became an avid Cubs fan. I experienced emotional abuse. I did the hard and beautiful work of therapy. I traveled to Bolivia. I met Melany and Johanna – and sponsor them and their community in Bolivia. I’ve met people – some in my life for a short time, some have stayed for the long haul.
Each of these things and more have changed my life – sometimes for positive, at times not so much. But all of these pale in comparison to the change that was won for me on the day Jesus rose from the grave, conquering sin and death.
You know what though? This greatest change – is the one I take most for granted.
If you have spent any time around the Christian world, you’re probably familiar with the idea that Easter is more than just bunnies, candy and eggs. Some might say it’s a day to get dressed up (yes, even in our mostly casual church, people tend to dress up more on Easter!) and go to church.
But I ask you, what I’ve been asking myself: are you taking for granted what happened for you on this day we celebrate?
Jesus died on a cross and was buried. Everyone thought he was dead and gone. Even those closest to him, who had heard differently, thought it all over. But as dark as Friday was…as desperate as Saturday seemed, Sunday was coming!
And in that glorious morning, Jesus did something astounding. He took death and sin – and said, “Nope – you don’t get to win in the end. Oh you might seem to win for a time, but I got this, and got them – these ones I love – and we’re gonna spend eternity together – starting right now!” And that changed everything.
And it still changes today. Because the gift of the empty tomb isn’t candy and hidden eggs, but it’s the gift of life – centered in Jesus, filled with the grace of God – it’s life where we get to be who God created us, and we get to walk with others along the way, and we get to serve and we get to love and we get to be light and life.
And if we let it, if we let Jesus in…he changes everything. So much better than chocolate eggs and bunnies – grace…every…single…moment…of…every…single…day. And that’s no joke!
Come join us this Easter morning – we’re gonna celebrate! For this cross – this empty tomb – this Savior – changes everything – even you! – Jane Jebsen, Missional Pastor
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