A Different Kind of Resurrection

My friends, Easter is here. Easter brings with it that most universal of things: consumerism. Walking into a grocery store, you’re confronted with bunnies, eggs, pastel colors, and chocolates. Completely neglected are the much deeper truths of Easter, truths that ought to challenge and change us in important, world-changing ways.

With Easter comes the reminder that our lives do not end with our deaths. We Christians believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was raised from the dead on this most glorious of days. Scripture tells us, “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead. He’s the first crop of the harvest of those who have died” (1 Corinthians 15:20, Common English Bible). Through this hope we know that one day each of us will be raised to be reunited with God.

But the story doesn’t stop there.

The hope that we have in Jesus raises us from spiritual death to spiritual life, causing us to live in a way that is different from the broader society around us. Scripture also tells us, “Therefore, we were buried together with him through baptism into his death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too can walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4, CEB).

So what does this newness of life look like? How do we set ourselves apart from those who don’t know Jesus? The Scriptures are clear about that too. Jesus tells us, ““But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27, 28, CEB).

That’s probably not what you expected me to say, but this is a contrast that Jesus himself makes when he says, “If you love those who love you, why should you be commended? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, why should you be commended? Even sinners do that. If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, why should you be commended? Even sinners lend to sinners expecting to be paid back in full” (Luke 6:32-34, CEB).

So let’s ask ourselves how we are living differently from those who don’t have our hope. Are we practicing the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22, CEB), or are we living in a way that brings shame to our Father in heaven? When people look at us, do they know that we follow Jesus by our love (John 13:35), or do that see us being spiteful, vengeful, hurtful, and angry? I’m not just saying these things to preach at you. I, myself, am guilty of many of these things every single day.

If you, like me, find yourself lacking in these ways, please consider praying with me that we might both love and forgive, living a better life of peace and justice.

God, forgive me for my hurtful words and spiteful anger. You are a God of patience and love, forgiving our sins as we forgive others. Help me to live in the light of the resurrection of your Son and the hope of my own resurrection, sharing the Good News of your love and peace with all that I meet through both my words and my actions.

Amen