Easter

Easter Devotional
More Than Just a Name
by Michael Mallick, Jefferson Street Church

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[March 29, 2018]  Why do you do what you do?  If someone asked you that question in regards to your job you might have a simple answer.  If you are a teacher you might respond, “Because I want to teach.”

Doctors become doctors because they want to heal.

Lawyers become lawyers because they have a passion for the law.

Farmers become farmers because they like to work the land.

There are some professions that would be interesting to hear what people have to say.  Like, why do funeral directors do what they do?  Honestly, I’m a bit fascinated with the idea that someone may feel called to work with the deceased and with the families.  But since we are on the subject let me ask you, “Why do you do what you do?”  Better yet (and perhaps even more personal) “Why do you attend church every Sunday?”  What would you say? Or to go a little further, if someone asked you why you believe what you believe, what would you say?  Do you have an answer?  The Apostle Peter did.

 

In Acts 2, you will remember, the Holy Spirit appears and does His work.  Those filled with the Holy Spirit begin speaking in other languages recognized by the people hearing them.  Because this is happening the people want to know, “Why are they doing this and what does it mean?” Peter stands up and gives them an answer – a good answer.  “Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord!”  Actually, that’s why the whole book of Acts happens.  Everything that the disciples do following the gift of the Holy Spirit is because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Peter plainly tells them – God raised Jesus, He performed miracles, wonders, and signs through Jesus, etc.  Peter testifies what God did in Jesus and what God is doing with, in, and for them.  “God did this for us,” Peter says, “and here is what we are doing because of it – we are telling others that Jesus lives because God raised Him from the dead.” 

 

 

God did not ask His witnesses to die but to speak boldly about how He acted and continues to act.  In other words, those who followed the Risen Lord went around answering the question. 

 

There is a standard joke for children’s sermons that whenever asked a question, the answer is always, “Jesus.”  While it might make us smile there is an underlying truth here.  Jesus should be the answer to every question.  He should be the answer to what we believe, why we believe, and why live out our faith.

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But to go back to the beginning, if someone asked you, “Why do you attend church,” what would your answer be?  Now, I know I’ve already given you the “right” answer, but what would your real answer be?  It’s amazing how many things we can list for our reasons for doing what we do and even going to church before we ever get to Jesus.  Peter starts with Jesus and he will end with Jesus.

 

It is Peter who gives us a wake up call.  We still live in the post-Easter time.  We are still the resurrection people whether we’re hearing the good news for the first time, the tenth time, or the thousandth time.  Peter gives us sound advice –

 

Let Jesus be more than just a name to you.  Hear with your heart as well as your ears because when you do, it is Pentecost all over again.” 

 

The proclamation that He is risen changes everything…forever. 

 

Don’t ever forget we are still an Easter people.  We are still called to hear, proclaim, and live the good news.  As witnesses of Jesus we are to be glad and promote life among our brothers and sisters.  So much so that people look at us strangely because we leave church smiling, joyous, and singing His praises not murmuring and complaining.  As we go about our days greeting one another with joy and love – we want people to look at us and wonder, “Are they drunk?  Why else would they be acting so happy and hospitable.”  And when asked why we do what we do, why we give of ourselves in ways that make the rational world scratch its collective head, we can stand like Peter and answer, “because this Jesus was raised from the dead and we are His witnesses.”

 

 

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