Son Rise

Today, many churches had multiple services, including sunrise services.  These seem to be particularly popular.  But today, I'd like to write about THE Son -- God's Son.  And how this Son rose.

When His followers went to the tomb, they did not find Him.  Jesus' tomb was empty.  Interesting, since crucifixion always lead to death and the expectation was to find his
corpse.  So, how can it be that the tomb was empty?  His followers suddenly had to implement
a paradigm shift; one of death to life.  Salvation not condemnation.  We are part of God's great plan -- Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice so that we could be saved!  The Lamb of God came to take away the sins of the world.  That is something to rejoice!

Today, we praise God for the grace and mercy He has shown us.  He could have easily condemned our unyielding spirits to a life of damnation.  Instead, He is compassionate and gracious to us.  He forgives us.  All we have to do is ask.

And so, I am going to share Paul's words with you. This is from Colossians 1:1-14 (NIV)

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,^{[e] 10} so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, ¹² and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you^[f] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. ¹³ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

If you feel a stirring in your heart when reading this, that is God calling to you.  He is saying, "You are mine, beloved."  These words are the keys that open the door to heaven.  In this passage, Paul tells us to invite the Holy Spirit into our life and live a life worthy of God.  Please Him in every way by doing meaningful work and growing in the knowledge of God; read the Bible, go to church, learn from solid Christian leaders, go to a Bible study or read a devotional.  Allow Him to strengthen you with endurance and patience.  Give thanks to God -- and not just for the good; the good AND the bad.   "...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV).  Lastly, ask Him to forgive you of your sins. 

You see, being a Christian means more than going to church once a week.  It is a responsibility one accepts to help make life better for others.  Easter is a beautiful holiday.  It is a reminder than Jesus overcame death and He did it for US.  You, me -- anyone who accepts Him into their life.   He shines a light on the darkest of places.  If you aren't leading a Christian life, you will know it.  How?  Well, here are a few questions -- just some easy ones to see where your heart lies. 

When you see someone who is struggling, do you offer words of encouragement?  Or pretend you don't see the hurt in their eyes?  Do you pay it forward when someone helps you?  Or do you reap the rewards and move on?  Are you self-centered or Christ-centered? 

Allow Him to work in you and through you.  Use His light to help you shine in the lives of others.  Don't just be an example but live a life worthy of  the sacrifice He made for us --His death. 

As you drive into work tomorrow, look as the sun rises-- and think about Jesus and what he did.  In your eyes, how does this sunrise compare to the Son that has risen?  God is around us, in us and through us.  Today, is a new day and you are a new person...because the Son rose.

"We Believe" by The Newsboys
https://youtu.be/FtPmX7e_Rpw