And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying,  “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28: 18-20 NASB

The amber ball reflected on the warming ripples then slid behind the sentinel tree line on Resurrection Sunday. Anastasis. The word rolled off my tongue, and I liked the sound. Christ had risen from the grave. He’d conquered the harrowing hell.

Therefore, sin and death can’t bind us. We’ve been saved from our weak and rebellious condition.

As I walked my Easter dinner off, ham, mac and cheese, and orange rolls, I considered how God calls us to awaken from our habitual way of doing work, ministry, and relationships, and to stand up and return to Him who is life. He wants to make us whole. He desires intimacy, confession and repentance, and His resurrection power is for us.

Christ’s shed blood and death on the cross had a purpose. We’d never be made right before God with our good intentions and efforts. It is finished. The work was done.

Or, was it? The disciples gathered at the mountain Jesus had designated in Galilee. Some questioned His resurrection. They doubted.  But Jesus expressed His dominion and power over all things. The time of His betrayal, rejection, and humiliation had ended. All authority belonged to Him in heaven and on earth. God had exalted Him before men. And now, He directed His close circle to “go and make disciples of all nations.”

God calls us to spread the good news that “Christ is risen!” We’re to speak with boldness. His followers are to teach, train, and mentor the new believers. And no one is given a pass. From the youngest of our clans to the eldest, we can testify to Jesus’ saving grace. Jesus heals and makes us come alive!

Our grandsons reminded me time and again over the past months that Easter wasn’t about the jelly beans, marshmallow chicks, and chocolate bunnies. Yes! We talked about our favorites. But Easter is much more than candy, skits, singing Hosanna, and waving palms. They listened to the Bible story and learned.

Jesus was born in a manger and died on a cross to save us from our sin. Simple Truth.

Resurrection Sunday. Anastasis. Light breaks through the world’s brokenness and hurt.  It wasn’t an ordinary Easter. However, how could it ever be? We celebrate a risen Lord! And He promises to be with us until the end.

Praying for God’s blessing and protection over you and yours,

Lily Mae