..but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:7-8 NKJV
Easter. The highlight of many people’s calendars, a season of chocolates and bunnies, of family catch ups and holidays away. A season of joy and laughter, a season of celebration.
But, what is Easter at the heart of it all? Why do we celebrate this festive occasion? Its classified as a Christian holiday despite being celebrated by most of the western world. Easter, simply, is the memorial of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
So who is this Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah? Not only who is He, but who is He to you? To me? I recently read a really sad statement in one of A W Tozer’s books, which said many Chirstians today worship God as an idea not as a being. This got me thinking at Easter, do we really comprehend Jesus Christ suffered and died for us? Do we see Him as an historical figure or do we recognise Him as an intimate acquaintance?
Do we see our father, brother, dearest friend on that cross? Because we should. Too often we fall into the trap of pushing Jesus far away, its too uncomfortable, too demanding, too much to allow Him the closeness He desires. We ignore Him until He becomes nothing more than an historical figure. Not longer is He our Father in Heaven, our Redeemer, our Friend that sticks closer than a brother.
When we see Him on that cross, our heart doesn’t break at the pain and humiliation He endured for us. We don’t stop in humble admiration for the love He poured out for us. We do not even stop to give Him a second though. We are so caught up in the happiness and chocolate, we forget the horrific weekend we are commemorating.
When I was a child I understood these things so much better than I ever have in recent years. I used to cry every time I heard about my dear Jesus being hurt and dying on the cross. My little year would break afresh each time as I could not bear someone so precious to me being hurt for any reason. But my joy was real too, each time we got to the resurrection I would be ecstatic! I felt the Easter story deeply because I knew and loved its person deeply. Sadly, as I grew, I distanced myself from this person, expectations, pain, hurt, busyness, foolishness all clouded my vision. While I still loved and followed God it became less personal, he became more of a distant figure, an idea, an almighty being rather than the lover and Redeemer of my soul.
Let us truely know Jesus in a personal way. Let us come to this weekend of celebration and triumph with joy and humility. While we rejoice over the Sunday resurrection, let us not forget the Friday of death and torture which was required for Sunday to occur.
Let us not forget Jesus.
Musings by Tee 