Easter People

“We were buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”  Romans 6:4

It’s the Wednesday past Easter.  Leftover ham has been sliced for sandwiches.  Eggs that weren’t consumed or crushed have been deviled or discarded.  Pastel tablecloths are packed away for next year, and we’re starting to focus on summer.  But I can’t get Sunday’s sermon off my mind.

In short, here’s what my pastor said:  Don’t just die as Easter people—live as Easter people.  “He is risen!” was God’s exclamation point of acceptance on Christ’s payment for our sin, and because He has been victorious, we are assured of a place with Him then but also purpose and power now. So live like it!  “We were buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life”(Rom 6:4).

This life is not focused on us but on Jesus.  This life is not lived for us but for Jesus.  His glory is our desire and our delight.  All of life—“whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do”—is transformed into an endless opportunity to show off the greatness and grace of God(1 Cor 10:31). Because Jesus is “Lord of all”(Acts 10:36), we have been “rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into the kingdom of the Son”(Col 1:13).  No more just getting by.  No more just passing time.  The truth of our redemption and Christ’s resurrection burst into our world in real space, real time, real history, with real people, and it brings real life—victorious life.

The empty tomb matters for eternity, and the empty tomb matters for every day. 

Live as Easter people!