After all the years of teaching, the heartache of betrayals, and the agony of torture, he died. People didn’t believe he was valuable, a healer, or remotely related to God. Hatred and envy killed the man called Jesus.
I can’t imagine being his mother and witnessing his final hours. If it were me, I would have thrown stones at all who called my son a false prophet, a liar, and screamed for his death. But God gave Mary the quiet strength and faith to endure such a heart-wrenching loss.
After three days, Jesus proved He was God’s son. His truth, teachings, and torment survived the hands of men. Death could not hold him; conspiracy and hatred could not entomb him. God freed him to confirm there is life after death and a Holy Father.
Have you ever noticed that lies fade away, but truth lasts forever? It has been over 2,000 years since Jesus died on the cross, yet Christ lives on.
Many don’t like organized religion, but there aren’t many who don’t believe in God, at least, that is what I want to think. There may be doubters and naysayers, but when most face the end of their days, they reach up to be embraced by the one they doubted.
The issue for those who struggle to believe that Jesus escaped death is their tendency to limit God to human understanding. No one on Earth will ever be as intelligent or powerful as our heavenly Father. Sometimes, our intellectual reasoning can hinder us from discovering the light that guides us to true wisdom.
For many who firmly believe that Christ rose from the dead and lives today, there is a tendency to interpret his teachings in a way that supports their own beliefs. This is where religion can become problematic. Jesus clearly provided two essential commandments: “You must love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” The second is: “You must love others as much as yourself. No other commandments are greater than these.”
Mark: 12:30
How are we doing with those two pronouncements? I have never loved myself that much, but I know God loves me, and I adore Him.
There are some people I don’t care much about. Those who hurt and exploit others for profit and power seem unlovable. Killers, criminals, and violent individuals appear to be utterly unlikable. Evil exists within all of us, and the only one who can transform it is the man who died at the hands of evil. He is the only one who can forgive sins, no matter how grievous they may be. This truth calls us to introspection and contemplation.
In these uncertain times when facts are difficult to discern, there is one clear reality: God exists. With its transformative power, our faith gives us hope, which we all need, especially today. God brings certainty amid our confusion and the renewal of our spirit. He sent his son to show us how to live better, more productive lives while we are here. How do we obtain riches and wisdom without empathy and charity? How do we destroy evil without love? We are not meant to be our neighbors’ judges but instead their friends.
Easter is represented with bunnies, eggs, flowers, and family gatherings. But the joy of Easter is the resurrection of Christ. Our faith constantly gives us the impetus to move onward, even during our most difficult trials.
One of my best friends is struggling with his health today, and another friend passed away yesterday. Without Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, I would feel completely crushed. However, I find comfort in knowing that God holds both of my friends in His hands and, regardless of the circumstances, they will experience healing—whether here on Earth or in eternity.
If we can let go of our self-importance and burdens and instead embrace God’s powerful mercy, we can rise to meet the Lord’s endless and abiding love.
The truth of Easter lasts forever, and so will we if we lay aside all our anger, envy, and judgmental attitudes at the foot of the cross and entrust our souls to the Lord.
“Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of time.” — Jesus Christ
Mark: 28:20
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Lynn Walker Gendusa is a Tennessee-raised, Georgia-residing author and columnist. Her latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com. For more of her inspirational stories, click here.
