This past weekend our family celebrated Easter together worshiping in our living room. We’ve been doing so for the last 2 months as the Father’s Heart Church. It’s been so fun to watch our kids engage with Scripture and worship in a very intimate setting. It’s something to which they’re not accustomed.
Up to this point, my kids have only experienced worship in a “large church” setting. They’re still learning how to worship without 30-50 more kids in the room! It’s been beautiful to see them grow and sing with just a piano and guitar. Last week we sang “Hallelujah For The Cross”. When I heard, Channing, my middle son sing with all his heart, my heart filled with joy! As we opened the Scripture, I shared what’s known as “The Passion Narrative”. The Passion Narrative is the account of the last week of Jesus’ life. It was a lot of Scripture, but they listened and I could see their interest in what Jesus did for us on the cross and the significance of the resurrection. While they weren’t quite as excited as I was, I was encouraged because they asked questions. Questions always lead to answers.
Jesus told us “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8 ESV) When we seek God, He answers us. When we pursue Him, He reveals Himself. Jesus’ resurrection makes that possible! Without the resurrection, Jesus’ death on the cross would have been powerless.
When God raised Jesus from the dead He gave His Son all authority in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18) Part of that authority was to offer us new life in Him. Speaking to the crowd about His life, Jesus said, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 10:18 BSB)
Jesus laid down His life voluntarily so He could fulfill what he said next: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:28-30 BSB)
No one can snatch us out of Jesus’ hand. When we believe in Jesus we receive from Him forgiveness of sin (mercy) and eternal life (grace)! What Joy we receive and what reason to celebrate!
Ask questions and you will find answers. You will discover: Easter changes everything.
Happy Easter and may you experience the fullness of life Jesus delivers to those who trust Him!
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” —Jesus (John 10:10 BSB)
-PB