The teacher was extremely enthusiastic. She looked at the class
of four-year-olds and asked this question: “Does anyone know
what today is?” A little girl held up her hand and said, “Yes,
today is Palm Sunday.” The teacher said, “That’s fantastic.
That’s wonderful. Now does anyone know what next Sunday is?” The
same little girl raised her hand again and said, “Yes, next
Sunday is Easter!” Once again the teacher said, “That’s
wonderful. Very good! Now, does anyone know what makes next
Sunday special?” Once again the little girl raised her hand and
answered, “Yes, next Sunday is Easter because Jesus rose from
the grave.” Before the teacher could congratulate her, she kept
on talking and said, “But if he sees his shadow, he has to go
back in for six more weeks!”
Here we are, once again, on the edge of the greatest holiday
this country, or world for that matter, has ever celebrated. We
call it, “Easter.” For those of us who call ourselves
Christians, we know that this day gives us more reasons to
celebrate than any other event in history. We come from a
country with a long list of great historical events, however,
none as great as the day we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus
Christ. I have always been very proud to call myself an
American; this is a great country. But I’m even more excited to
call myself a “Christian.”
The rest of the world religions worship and pay homage to
someone who is dead. I’ve seen their tombs and graves and TV
specials. But when we look at the grave of Jesus, it’s empty.
He’s alive and that message, 2000 years later, still has the
power to shake our world. More than that ever, it still has the
power to shake my world too.
Young Jonathon, who had been promised a new little puppy for his
birthday, had a tough time choosing one from the dozen likely
candidates at the neighborhood pet shop. Finally, he decided on
one nondescript shaggy pup that was wagging his tail furiously.
Jonathon said, “I want the one with the happy ending.”
|
 In the resurrection of
Jesus Christ, God offers us a “Happy ending.” The empty tomb gives
life meaning. It gives death victory, and it makes the after-life a
reality. Every funeral that Jesus is recorded as attending, He
resurrected the dead person. Every one! If He can resurrect the dead
then He has the power to resurrect everything. Here is the story
with a “happy ending.”
Whatever there may be in your life that feels like its dying, Jesus
can bring new life to it…Whether it is a love for a mate, excitement
at work, or your joy for living. Whatever is dying, there can be
life again. That’s the lesson from Easter and that will always be a
“Happy Ending.”
[Ron Otto, Lincoln Christian Church]
 |
