At the mention of the word “Easter,” images emerge in the minds of men, women, and children everywhere. Many of these impressions are based on actual experiences that occur in our lives. Sunrise services, cute frilly dresses, spring outfits, egg dyeing, egg hunts, bunnies, Sunday lunch, and an extra long holiday weekend.
There are 2 times of the year when church, God, and Jesus become more prominent in our minds and in the media than others: Christmas and Easter. It almost becomes a popular thing to do. In fact, the church we attend has issued tickets for reserved seating areas to attend one of their 4 services in a 3500 seat sanctuary. Of course there is still a general seating area, but all of the reserved seating is gone. I expect that all 14,000 available seats will be occupied over the 2 day event. Imagine that. 14,000 people hearing about the Easter story in just one of the many churches within 10 minutes of my home. Going to church is really the “in” thing to do this weekend.
Perhaps your immediate thoughts about Easter did not follow the general populace and you instead thought of Jesus, the cross, and the resurrection. These are paramount in my experience of Easter. It is, after all, the reason we celebrate this holiday.
But here’s another question for you to consider as we approach the designated day of Easter celebration. Who is Jesus? Who is He to you?
During His time on the earth, Jesus asked his disciples many questions. One of them had to do with who people thought him to be. I believe it would be the same today if we asked a group of random people, “Who is Jesus?” You would hear a multitude of different answers, just like they expressed of Jesus in the Biblical account.
But the next question is the one that was most gripping. Then He said to them, “Who do YOU say that I am?” A few days ago, I was challenged with this question.
I’ve been a Christian for quite awhile and I have read the Bible many times. The things that come to mind immediately about Jesus may well be what you think of. He is the Christ. He is the way. He is the truth. He is the life. He is the Light. He is the lamb. He is the bridegroom. There are many more I could say without really even thinking.
But as I took the time to ponder, I found that there are significant personal encounters that I have had that define who Jesus is to me.
He is the omega. He is the end. During a difficult period of my life when I was in constant pain, unable to sleep, and in mental torment, He was there. He did not leave me, and He was my pathway to the end. Those dark days did come to an end, despite what the circumstances and the opinions of others would have led me to believe. He is the omega. He is the end.
He is truth. In the times when I was confused and without answers, and he was truth to me. My mind and the wisdom of the world did not give me the answers I needed, but He was truth. When an expert medical doctor said my daughter might not be able run like other children because of a curve in her leg bones, I went to Jesus for my truth. His truth was that she would be a testimony of His power and His healing. I remembered in gratitude as I watched her run last night and listened to the track coach as he watched her too. He believes she may be one of the fastest runners in the state. Jesus was truth to me when natural truth said otherwise. He says we will run and not get tired. He is truth.
He is the scarlet cord. The scarlet cord was a symbol of Rahab’s protection, and the protection of her family, despite the utter destruction and devastation that surrounded her. He is that to me, when people and situations around me have crumbled. My family and I have been protected. Having experienced 2 campus shootings within that last year on campuses within a several mile proximity of where my children were physically located or where they actually attend, my family was protected. I was on one of those campuses just days before the shooting. The scarlet thread that is symbolic of our faith and reliance on Jesus has preserved our safety. He is the scarlet cord.
After quiet reflection and written expression, I created a memorial to express who He is to me. The entire event consumed only 30 minutes of my day. But its effects on my heart and spirit created strength and life that continue even days later. He is life. Living. Right now.
I challenge you to take some dedicated time this weekend. Consider and express what He is to you. Write it down. Create something symbolic of your reflections. Who do YOU say that He is?
Happy Easter.