Easter is a moment to remember where we stand. I will tell you the foundation of my faith. My faith firmly stands on two feet:
Christ died for me.
Christ lives in me.
Keep it simple. Don’t complicate it. The whole of the Christian faith is this: Christ died and Christ lives, and this changes everything.
Christ died. The statement is easy to believe; everyone dies. But, Christ died for me; this is difficult to understand. Somehow, the cross of Christ reveals God’s heart of holy love. This is a spiritual mystery beyond my human understanding, yet, I believe the cross of Jesus invites me into a new relationship with God. In the suffering of Jesus is a movement in God’s heart that makes a difference in my soul. I may never understand it fully, but I receive it in faith!
Christ lives. This statement is hard to believe. Think of it – a dead man is touched by God, takes air into His empty lungs, opens His blind eyes, and walks into life. And, now, Christ lives in me. What Jesus did for me on the cross, He does in me through His Spirit. I was a dead man in my failures and sins. The Spirit of Christ touched me, the breath of His Spirit filled me, my spiritual eyes were opened, and I now live and walk in His Spirit.
With both feet on this foundation of faith, the only thing left to do is follow Jesus.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
Amazing love, how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!
I take a step in Jesus. Sometimes the step is into green pastures or beside still waters. It is a step on the path of righteousness that restores my soul.
I take a step in Jesus. At other times it is a step into the valley of the shadow of death. It is a step in the presence of enemies where my mind and heart need God’s healing.
Yet, when I look back on the journey, I am amazed, “My goodness; mercy me.” He has been with me all the way.
And, at some point we all take the last step, just one more step into the home and heart of the Lord of Love forever and ever. Amen. This I believe.
(I invite you to read Luke 23:26-56, Christ died; Luke 24:1-12, Christ lives; Luke 24:13-34, Walk with Jesus.)
Copyright 2011 © Richard Leslie Parrott, Ph.D.