On Easter morning, people greet each other, “He’s Risen!” “He is Risen indeed!” How true! He has risen, He is alive!
But, do we say that casually (in our new Easter outfits), while going to services with beautiful, awe-inspiring music…then go home to our delicious dinners with friends and family, and not think about it again?
Perhaps with all the challenges around the world: the violence and wars, the financial strain, the natural disasters, the uncertainty…people may be wondering “is there really a God who cares, someone who can help us?” Recently, on Palm Sunday, children walked through our sanctuaries, waving palm leaves—remembering Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, centuries ago. We sang or joined in saying “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Until this recent Palm Sunday, I never realized that “Hosanna” actually was a term entreating the Lord to “Save us”!
Currently, it is often used interchangeably with ‘Hallelujah!’ but in Hebrew “the Jewish word actually (means) a plea for help: “save now!” or “save us, we pray!” (Wikipedia).
LET US NOT FORGET, the cost, as well as the celebration of this most holy and truly “life-changing” event! It is the pivotal foundation of the message and purpose of Jesus: forgiveness of sins, for those who believe in Him and receive it!
Listen to this powerful song, and ponder the words--“He’s Alive”!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWD-VbJIWEw
Apart from His mercy and grace, we all can feel the shame and guilt of our own sin, like Peter…But He’s paid the price for our sin!
He’s alive! And we are forgiven!
Thank you, Jesus!