Easter is a celebration of the final step Jesus took on this earth validating his claim to be the living God of the cosmos; his miraculous resurrection after death. This incredible step, however, was simply the culminating step; one that was preceded by many others (healing the sick, calming the storms, feeding the thousands, cleansing lepers, raising the dead, casting out demons and touching the hungry souls of those who were living in the margins).
To get at the heart of the Easter message, we must go back to the first public speech given by Christ.
Luke 4:16-22Read it a few times and then work through the following questions:
- What was Jesus saying in this first public address?
- Why did he need to say it?
- What is the Good News anyway?
- What do you now believe?
- How shall you now live?
- Where is our hope?
At the heart of the Easter message is a call to "rise up" and "be the miracle" in lives of those in our world who need a helping hand (the poor, the homeless, the hungry, the orphaned, the widowed and those who live the margins). This is the Good News; Jesus came offering a living and tangible hope that more often than not comes with a cold cup of clean water, a bed to sleep in, food for a family and a safe place to live for HIV/AIDS orphans.
Easter, along with one's faith, was never meant to remain a corporate private affair; it's a celebration meant to be lived in community; side by side as we serve the least of these.
Rise up my friends and be the miracle. There are people next door and around the world counting on you.
If,
however, you think that I'm off base or missing the point, then feel free to comment.
Shalom...
www.leadwithcompassion.org
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