Insight from a sixth generation pastor.

The Most Authentic Easter in Your Lifetime

4/8/2020

I was doing some video recording in our church building last night. The building was eerily empty. It will be quiet on Easter as well. Is it really Holy Week if no one gathers?

I believe this will be the most authentic Easter in your lifetime.

The first Easter did not include trumpets, bows, ties, and floral arrangements. There was no fanfare. No crowed churches or big brunches.

The historical record tells that the followers of Jesus hid in the city. They sheltered in a room and locked the door out of fear. Those who murdered their friend might come after them next. The first disciples on the first Easter were:

Grieving.
Worried.
Alone.
Disappointed.
Confused.
Uncertain.

Easter 2020 will be more like the first Easter than any other in your life. More than any Easter in our memory, we will share some perspective with the ancient church.

On the first Easter, the disciples found an empty tomb and thought it a tragedy. “Someone has stolen the body.” But they discovered that the empty grave was a good thing. Their friend and Lord was alive, and there lives would never be the same.

On Easter 2020, our church buildings will be empty, an apparent tragedy. There is some loss in this fact, but I believe there is also gain. Jesus is alive. He is not enshrined in any one sanctuary. He is not quarantined to certain holy sites. The Risen Lord is with his people. Jesus' sanctuary is wherever you are.

Open your eyes. God is giving us new vision in Holy Week 2020.

Abundant life.
Extraordinary surprises.
Boundless possibilities.
Eternal horizon.
Resurrection hope.

What are you seeing differently this week?

Carson Heady

4/8/2020 10:48:42 am

Poignantly and brilliantly put, per usual, Pastor Jeff. So true. We appreciate the great work you and your team have done during this time to make us so connected with the church and church body. There is much gift in this time of prayer and reflection. Thank you for this profound message.

Jeff

4/9/2020 08:01:32 am

Thanks, Carson. As you know, God prepares us for crisis, gives us the ability to adapt. There are new possibilities he's given us, even if they are hard to see.

Amanda Stewart

4/9/2020 10:59:44 am

Thank you for sharing your message. I am a preacher's daughter and my former junior high basketball coach shared your post on her Facebook page. I have shared it to my Facebook page as well. I feel like you message is one the world needs to hear. Keep doing God's work. God bless you!

Michael J. Will link

4/12/2020 09:11:59 am

We did our Easter service from home as had been the case the last few weeks. It's put online weekly for now, full service with music and responsive reading included. This pic caught my attention because we call our church "The Church of the Lighted Cross."

Patricia Horn

4/8/2020 01:25:31 pm

Wonderful message! And reflecting on it, so true. Our Easter promise is eternal life!! Blessings to you and your family😊

4/9/2020 08:01:51 am

Thanks, Pat. Blessings.

Jack P

4/8/2020 03:00:55 pm

Love your slant on this particular and unimaginable Easter. For most, if not all of us worshiping on a parking lot in our vehicles, this will be the most memorable Easter in our lifetimes.

4/9/2020 08:02:42 am

Certainly, Jack. Children and grandchildren will remember this time. We pray they always recalls God's providential care and grace.

Sofia

4/9/2020 07:46:44 am

Thank you P Jeff for putting in words the exact way many of us feel at this time.
Blessings

4/9/2020 08:03:15 am

Thanks, Sofia. Blessed Holy Week!

JoAnn Stewart

4/11/2020 04:48:53 pm

Love this perspective. I hadn’t thought of it that way.

Linda Reifschneider

4/19/2020 08:36:31 pm

Pastor Jeff,
My sister found your message on line and shared it with several of us, noting at the end she did not know the author. So I emailed her that you are Carl's pastor at Christ Memorial. And then I sent it to Paul and Grace and printed out a copy and mailed it to Carl.
Amazing how a good message takes wings!
Stay safe and stay well, Linda

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The Most Authentic Easter in Your Lifetime

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The Most Authentic Easter in Your Lifetime

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