What Make Easter Special?
In our eyes (man's) What makes Easter special?
It is not just the time of year…
Pretty blooms, flowers, new leafage, fresh air,
sunshine, relief from the drudgery of winter, opportunity for a break, preparing for summer.
Nor is it just…
Easter eggs, Easter bunnies, chickens, ducks,
pretty dresses, nice clothes, special sales and bargains, pretty pastels, etc.
No there is more than that, much more. So why do we see Easter as special?
We see Easter as special because…
We believe Jesus was special from God
He was Righteous - sinless
He was Ready -
He was Reachable – willing to come even in His foreknowledge of events
Rev. 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
Also…
We believe Jesus was sent by God
He was the Promised sacrifice – God made plans for our redemption
He was the Proper sacrifice – how could we improve on what God has done?
He was the Perfect sacrifice – No other needed
Another important reason, is…
We believe Jesus was the Son of God
He was Unique - only begotten Son of God
He came with the Understanding of the Son of God -
He knew (knows) our need
"Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." Ro. 8:11
He came to offer Utopia (eternal life that is good)
To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Lu. 23:43
And importantly…
We believe Jesus was the substitute appeasing God
He Satisfied God's Holiness – God cannot tolerate sin
He Stood in our place - we are unable, yet He took our place
He Safeguards us – we do not have to fear, He is still there for us
Having looked at what makes Easter special to us,
We must also answer the question…
In Gods eyes, what makes Easter Special to Him?
We must surely understand…
It is not just the symbol of the cross (most recognizable symbol in the world)
It is not just the fact that it is an important holiday of a major religion
It is not just the fact His name is mentioned with Easter
It is not just the fact Easter was a success
It is not just the fact the crowds are bigger on Easter
It is not just the fact people have a better attitude during this time.
It has nothing to do with the ego of God
Then what makes it special to Him??????
Here is the answer, it is a fill in the blank…
Write your name in the blank. _______________________
Fill in your name - YOU DO! YOU MAKE EASTER SPECIAL TO GOD!
I want you to turn to John 3:16, read with me and where I tell you fill in you name below and read it with that understanding.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever (fill your name in here ) believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Can you not see?
You make Easter special to God!
He made Easter for You!
It was for You that He was willing to allow His Son to be beaten
It was for You that He was willing to allow His Son to be mocked
It was for You that He was willing to allow His Son to be spit upon
It was for You that He was willing to allow His Son walk the Via Delarosa
It was for You that He was willing to allow His Son have the nails driven through His hands and feet
It was for You that He was willing to allow His Son to suffer on the cross.
Yes it is You that makes Easter special to God.
What makes it special to you?
Do you know Him?
Have you acknowledged His works?
Have you accepted His death for you by accepting Him as Christ and Lord?
Have you asked Him to forgive you of your sins?
Will You do so now?
Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist - 0415010amEaster