Some Reflections on the Significance of Easter
More and more every year I look forward to Easter above all other days. The vivid reminder of Christ’s death and resurrection only become sweeter each time we celebrate it. This past year I have been challenged to think of Easter as something bigger than I ever imagined. Yes, it is about a dead man raised to life; yes, it is about the forgiveness of sins; yes, it is about Jesus’ sacrifice and exaltation. But it is all this and more–it is the inauguration of Christ’s kingdom, the dawn of his new creation, and the beginning of a radically new vocation for Christ’s followers. Though we ought to anticipate our Lord’s return, we don’t sit idly as we wait–we have work to do.
Paul makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 15 when, after highlighting the importance of the resurrection and the hope that we will likewise be raised, he tells the church to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain. Our work has present and eternal consequences. We need to be in prayer for a broken world; we need to be the hands that do the work of restoration; we need to be the feet that bring the good news. Moreover, we have been given the power to accomplish this task. The same power which raised Christ from the dead and seated him at the right hand of the Father is at work in those who believe (Ephesians 1:19-20).
Father, may the power which raised Christ from the dead be at work in your world, in your church, in my life for the sole purpose of making your name famous throughout all your creation. Lord, bring restoration to this broken world. Bring healing where there is sickness. Bring justice where there is corruption. Bring hope where there is despair. Bring the light of the gospel where there is darkness. Lord, act decisively through your people and through your Spirit to show this world that you alone are God.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:20-21).
-Kyle Rapinchuk
Tags: 1 Corinthians 15, Easter, resurrection