“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)“We are an Easter people.” I’m not sure when I first heard that expression, but it was probably when I was in high school. Being “an Easter people” means that the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is the defining aspect of what … Continue reading We are an Easter people
easter
The fight’s been fixed
Happy Easter! Johnny Hunt once said: “In the end we win because the fight’s been fixed.”*I love it! But what does he mean? He’s referring to the victory of Christ. On the cross and through the empty tomb, he defeated the powers of sin, death, despair, darkness and even the Devil himself. Colossians 2:15 says: “He disarmed … Continue reading The fight’s been fixed
He washed Judas’ feet
Tomorrow is Good Friday. Today is a lesser-known day called Maundy Thursday—not “Monday” but “Maundy.”The word “Maundy” comes from Jesus’ words in John 13:34. Although he spoke Aramaic, the oldest record of his words are in Greek. Those words have been translated into many languages, including Latin. “Mandatum novum” is the Latin wording for “new … Continue reading He washed Judas’ feet
He knew what was going to happen
One of the things that has really stuck with me recently is the foreknowledge of Jesus. He knew he would be tortured, abandoned and killed. And yet, he did it anyway.Why?Let’s pretend that I’ve had a direct message from God for you. Here it is: “Tomorrow is going to be the most painful day of … Continue reading He knew what was going to happen
One more move
Tony Campolo tells a story about the movie, The Seventh Seal.In short, a medieval knight plays a dramatic game of chess with death himself, the prince of darkness. Throughout the whole movie they go back and forth making moves.Right at the end, as things are reaching a climax, the prince of darkness makes one more … Continue reading One more move
Pandemonium
There are times when everything seems chaotic. Problems everywhere—not only in the world generally, but in your life specifically. Pain, confusion, hardship. It’s pandemonium. The word “pandemonium” literally means “demons everywhere.” That’s very fitting, isn’t it?That must have been what the disciples felt like during Jesus’ trial, torture and crucifixion. Demons everywhere!That’s why it can be … Continue reading Pandemonium
These records tell me all kinds of bad things about you
Today is Good Friday. It’s a solemn time to remember and give thanks for what Christ did for us on the cross.Billy had a younger sister who was confined to a wheelchair. He took her to school and brought her from class to class. He was happy to do so. He was caring for his … Continue reading These records tell me all kinds of bad things about you
Trading crosses for crowns
The resurrection of Christ was about one man, but it was about more than one man. It is the inauguration of God’s renewed world. I’m thankful to historian and scholar Tom Wright for highlighting the following points in his research. First, God began the work of creation on a Sunday. Well, the work of God’s … Continue reading Trading crosses for crowns
The nails failed
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said’” (Matthew 28:5-6). I hope you are en-joy-ing Easter Monday. The resurrection of Jesus was about… Jesus. But it wasn’t only about Jesus. … Continue reading The nails failed
To redeem a race of rebels
Today is Good Friday. It’s when we gather at the foot of the cross to ponder and give thanks that Jesus gave his life for ours. He paid the price for our sin so that we could be reconciled to God. I sometimes tell the story about a young person who asked me why Good … Continue reading To redeem a race of rebels
