Tag Archives: Easter

When is Easter Saturday?

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Good Friday is the end of the world

As Jesus went to the cross on the first Good Friday, it was more than simply an injustice. It was God doing his ‘end of the world’ work. According to the Bible’s unfolding narrative, at the end will be the judgement of God – often pictured as the coming of fire. Jesus spoke of his death as this burning:
“If they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Luke 23:31)

There is more burning to come – when the wood is dry – but Jesus on the cross was God’s fire. In other words, Jesus on the cross was God’s judgement: it’s the end of the world seen in history.

Easter Day is the end of the world

Easter Day, the day of recurrection is also God doing ‘end of the world’ work. Anther biblical idea linked to the end of creation was resurrection. Martha had learnt this, even before Easter. We know this because, though mourning her dead brother Lazarus, she was sure he we be rise again (John 11:24). Note the link – ‘resurrection’ and ‘last day’ always belong together.

So when Jesus’ tomb was found empty, it was recurrection tasted early: the end of the world seen in history.

So when is Easter Saturday?

You might share my experience of Easter weekend. Plenty of Easter talk on Good Friday. Even more Easter activity on Sunday. But Saturday feels a bit dull, a comparative non-event.

There is an odd idea, creatively (!) based on a couple of difficult New Testament sentences, of The Harrowing of Hell. I’ll let you look it up, because I think it’s a cul de sac. And not a particularly scenic one, either.

Instead, I want to suggest that Easter Saturday is today. That’s every single ‘today’ until Jesus’ return.

We have every blessing from the Father. God has truly done an astonishing thing. He has brought the end of all things into our world. Jesus at Easter won freedom from judgement and the certainty of resurrrection life with God! The end is here.

At the same time, we wait. Public and universal judgement lies ahead. So too does the general resurrection. The end is coming.

We live in the end (because the end is here). And we live before the end (because the end is coming). A bit like Easter Saturday. It sometimes feels trivial and a drag, but it is real life. We can be assured, though, because of the completed work of Jesus. Therefore, Christians rejoice with 100% confidence in Jesus’ completed work. And we wait patiently for the 100% completion of Jesus’ work.

But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
(Romans 8:10)

 


 

Passionate commitment

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In Albury-Wodonga, the weekly free newspapers used to include a column of reflections. They were written by local  ministers, or similar (authors included a local Baha’i leader, as well as someone from the local humanist society branch). I don’t know why they stopped. Equally, I don’t know if they achieved anything!

Cleaning up my computer, I found a few of mine. In the interests of recycling, I will re-release them on this blog.

Have do you describe a good argument? How about a worthless argument?

Watching the new freeway opening made me ask these questions. I think they’re good questions to ask! Let me explain why.

It’s been fascinating watching the new freeway take shape, and now begin to flow. One thing the border can never forget is the range of opinions people had. And still have!

We saw this in the Border Mail history of the freeway. The television news pictures from the last decade were just as informative. A number of Albury-Wodonga houses still have signs demanding where the road should go. During construction there was the odd bit of graffiti protesting developments.

What most struck me about the early debates is how passionate people were. Arguments were fiery. Opinions strong. Emotions high. A number of folk had a lot of their life invested in these decisions.

Now, roads are useful. But there are more important matters.

Likewise, commitment is great. But the best commitment is commitment to the best causes.

Easter gives us a hint about the best commitment, the best argument, and the best passion.

The best model of passion is the man who went through the Passion, Jesus Christ. His passion – his suffering, in other words – was the perfect expression of love. Jesus’ love for people proved his great love for God’s ways.

What they said at the time was right, ‘zeal consumed him.’ Jesus’ zeal to do good and bring forgiveness cost his life. That’s why so many people not only remember Jesus’ death but also commit to following him in every area of life.

So what arguments will you get involved in this week? I hope they’re about lasting matters: life, forgiveness, love, truth, … Perhaps even about whether you can follow Jesus as we approach Easter.
March 2007

 


 

Reasons not to believe

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In Albury-Wodonga, the weekly free newspapers used to include a column of reflections. They were written by local  ministers, or similar (authors included a local Baha’i leader, as well as someone from the local humanist society branch). I don’t know why they stopped. Equally, I don’t know if they achieved anything!

Cleaning up my computer, I found a few of mine. In the interests of recycling, I will re-release them on this blog.

What’s a good reason to not be a Christian?

As a minister, I regularly ask myself this. After all, I don’t want to waste my time if the Bible, prayer and church are empty. There are many suggested arguments against Christianity. Of all the reasons, there is only one that might stick.

Some reasons are about weak Christians. Perhaps you know a Christian with a short temper, or you’ve been to a church that did not feel as friendly as it could.

These are weaknesses, but hardly reason to ignore Jesus. Jesus said he came to call sinners, so I expect them at church. Having wrongdoers at church is just like having sick people at hospital – perfectly normal.

Other reasons against Christianity are about the Bible. Maybe you have said, ‘It’s too hard to understand.’ Or, ‘I want to read it one day, but haven’t got around to it.’

These aren’t convincing either. It’s a big surprise to me to find men and women who are experts in their work, but whose understanding of Jesus is at the level of a ten year old. They’ve never read the Bible as adults and rely on half-remembered school scripture from 20 years ago!

So what is the one good reason to stay away from Christianity?

As we’d expect, the reason is all about Jesus. Specifically, if Jesus is not alive from the dead then ignore all Christians.

Lots of leaders have died unjustly, even heroically. Yet none claimed that they would come back to life after three days. Jesus did.

Many religions spread their leader’s teachings. Followers of Jesus have always announced that Jesus’ tomb is empty. A ridiculous message. Unless it’s true!

If anyone could prove to me that Jesus did not rise and that he is not alive, it would change everything. This alone would convince me Christianity is bankrupt.

Yet, as we approach Easter, I am ever more convinced that Jesus is alive. That’s why I keep following him. What do you say about the living Jesus?
March 2006