An Easter for restoration

Today is Easter Sunday!

It is yet another opportunity to call to remembrance the salvific work of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. Jesus Christ died and rose again to reconcile sinful man to God, so that anyone who believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Christians all over the world rejoice at Easter following a 40-Day Lenten Season during which we humble our hearts and draw nearer to God in fasting and prayer. We rejoice at Easter because on the resurrection morning, the great love and mercy of God came through for man. He who knew no sin bore the sins of the world; and by His sacrifice, we who accept Him as Lord may now enjoy the original blessings of creation – eternal life, peace, joy, and abundance.

It was at Easter that the work of reconciliation between God and man was perfected through the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. Easter therefore reminds us of the great love and mercy of God. When He was being crucified, rather than call for judgement, Jesus Christ proclaimed those eternally historic words, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Today, there is great tension in many parts of the world.  In short, there is no peace in the world. Nations, communities, families and individuals are looking for peace, and they are devising schemes to overcome their diverse challenges. Easter however points us, not to a scheme, but to a person – the Prince of peace.  Easter reminds us to look up to God (rather than man) for solution to the problems confronting us. Only God can help us; and His help has been sent to us in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, who says of Himself:

John 10:9-11  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

It is often argued that the world is where it is today because today’s world suffers a deficit of leadership. Easter reminds us of the leadership example of Jesus Christ, who laid down his life so that others could have life. In doing so, he taught humanity how leadership should be exercised – for the pursuit of the good and wellbeing of others. Let us all reflect on this lesson as we celebrate; and let both leaders and the led resolve to shun selfish, self-centered lives henceforth. Easter teaches us to live for others.

Most importantly, let us all seize the occasion of this Easter period to draw closer to God and to know Him better through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Happy Easter!

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