Many of you have had the experience of standing at the bus stop, train station or the airline terminal sending your child off for that school trip or launching them into the scary world of university campuses. Just as they were about to board you called after them with the parting words (that you kid would rather you not say because everyone’s listening!) – “Behave yourself; make me proud; don’t get into trouble; be careful who you hang around with; call me!” Things said are important for your own peace of mind.

 

EASTER reminds us of what mattered most to Jesus now that his work on earth was finished and he was about to hand it over to his followers. He spent the first thirty years of his life getting ready for his ultimate purpose - provide saving for people who were misbehaving and were divorced from God and bring them back into relationship again. The last three years of his life were the most critical. He was training his small team of twelve guys to take his place. The last three half-a-dozen days were filled with tears, anxiety and excruciating pain in his spirit because his ultimate responsibility was not going to be easy. Finally, the sentence of ‘death by crucifixion’ was overwhelming and the experience of it none of us can even begin to imagine.

 

Before he returned to God, he left them with a parting word, the burning thing on his heart which was of greatest importance. He shared what he wanted his followers as far away as the 21^st century, to remember. It was up to them now and he had no other plan to make this work. The burning message was  "Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all.” (St. Mark 16:15, MSG) That’s it. If a church cannot figure out its purpose it doesn’t come any simpler than this.

 

The Message of God’s good news?

 

EASTER

 

Why does it matter now that the drama is finished and the work of redemption finished? How is your day any different because of Easter? Will anyone else’s day be different because of what Easter as done in you?

 

Catch you later. My girls are heading out to catch a movie.

“Girls, take your time and don’t drive too fast….”