Those Three Days

Living in chilly Minnesota, it’s hard to believe that Easter is only a few weeks away. Normally the snow would be gone by now, the potholes would all be fixed, and the temperature would once again begin flirting with 60 degrees.

But even though none of those things has happened yet, Resurrection Sunday will still arrive as scheduled on April 24—no matter what the weather is like here in Minnecolda!

Business As Usual?
So...knowing that we are fast-approaching the first "warm weather" holiday of the year (even though parts of Minnesota haven't gotten the memo yet), let me ask…are you ready for Easter this year? I’m not talking about having your house cleaned for guests, or having purchased a new spring outfit, or having prepared the kids’ Easter baskets, etc. I’m talking about your heart and your spirit…the real you.

Have you readied—or prepared—your heart to celebrate one of the most significant Christian holidays of the year? More importantly, are you ready to comprehend and appreciate the spiritual importance of this remarkable day?

I hate to admit it, but I don’t think I’m ready…at least not yet.

Don’t get me wrong; I love celebrating Easter each year, but there were times in the past when my “celebration” consisted of little more than a casual but well-executed list of holiday tasks (i.e., cleaning the house, attending church, preparing the meal, taking pictures with relatives, cleaning up, etc.).

But I want to change that. This year I want to celebrate Resurrection Day…differently.

Those Three Days
The Lord is talking to me about changing my approach and attitude towards Easter. He wants me to move beyond my traditional habits and revere Easter for what it is—a powerful reminder of the ultimate sacrifice and miraculous resurrection of Christ Himself.

Through the cross, Jesus endured more than we will ever know because He loves us more than we will ever comprehend. Through his shed blood and death on that cross, His sacrifice was the ultimate atonement for our sins; He restored our right standing with our heavenly Father.

Those three days—days that changed the world forever—were arranged and orchestrated for me…and for you. Why? Because God loves us. Praise the Lord!

That's what Easter is all about.

When I looked at it that way, my approach towards Resurrection Sunday changed.

What Changed
Here are a few things I am doing differently this year as I prepare my heart to properly recognize, honor, and appreciate the significance of Resurrection Sunday.

• I am opening my Bible and reading the account of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection for myself—again. You can find it in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19.
• I am setting aside time to pray and meditate on the spiritual heritage of this day, taking time to quiet myself and put into remembrance all that Jesus did for me and what it means to truly be a follower of Christ.
• Finally, I am reading other people's messages about Easter and filling myself with the revelation that they have had regarding this most wonderful day. I have selected a few that I thought you might enjoy...

Dip and Dye! (Rick Renner)

Don't Weep For Me (Jeanne Caldwell)

The Victory of the Empty Tomb (Mac Hammond)

A New Approach
Are you just going through the motions as well? I challenge you to slow down and reflect on the true significance of Easter this year.

Are you with me?

Let's step back, reassess our approach, and not allow the excuse of busy schedules or traditional to-do lists keep us from focusing on the resurrection power of Christ.

"Hosanna! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel"
(John 12:13 ASV)