April Devo - Don't Be Fooled!

We transitioned from March to April by honouring Good Friday and celebrating Easter. These important occasions are much more than an excuse to take some time off and bust open a bag of chocolate mini eggs (my personal favorite)? There is a deeper reason for the season!

The symbols of Easter speak of new life. The name “Easter” likely comes from the ancient word for spring and the Germanic goddess of spring and fertility, “Eastre” (the root of the word “estrogen”). Her earthly symbol was the rabbit, for obvious reasons. Other symbols like eggs, chicks, and flowers also remind us of new life.

Does the promise of new life, illustrated by the arrival of Spring and the Easter celebration, apply to our lives? I still remember an episode of the TV show, “The Good Wife,” which posed a similar question. Peter, the good wife’s unfaithful husband, sought spiritual help from a pastor for purely political reasons. But the pastor suddenly made it personal when he asked, “Do you believe Jesus died for your sins?” Peter answered honestly, “I don’t even know what that means!”

The truth is, it means everything. When Jesus died on the cross (Good Friday) and then came back to life (Easter), everything suddenly made sense. There is a God and He really did create life. You and I and all humanity are the reason for creation. Despite what others may say and what we may sometimes think, God really loves us and wants us to know Him personally. He explains all of that, the real meaning of life, in the Bible, His love letter to all of us. And at the very heart of that message is Jesus.

While others are trying to create ways to reach up to God (we call that religion) God has already reached down to us. It’s really not about what we can do to impress God – His standards are too high. Instead, it’s all about what God has already done for us in sending Jesus. Jesus took upon Himself the spiritual and physical consequences for our failures. He died in our place and then came back to life so that we can experience “new life” too.

That’s what the pastor was trying to get Peter to understand. If he could begin there, there’s the potential for a fresh start as a loving husband, as a trustworthy father, and maybe even as a reputable governor. I know I’m talking about a TV show and the story unfolded differently, but what Jesus did for us is really true and it really works. He said, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe? (John 11:25-26). Well - do you?