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April 2003
Easter Hope
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April 2003
Easter Hope
World events, the war against terror and the war against Iraq, have dominated the news and our public conversations. Talk radio and around-the-clock news coverage of any and all events make it difficult, if not impossible, to catch a break from the constant talk of pain and conflict. Any celebrity or retired warrior who desires can be heard nationwide giving opinion and commentary on any and all aspects of the difficulties our world is facing. These persons speak as if they have private inside information that is hidden from the rest of us mere mortals.
I confess that I have my opinions too and yet something far greater is happening that I have not heard mentioned in any of these news forums. There have been no fast breaking news stories to interrupt regular programming and no talking heads speaking knowingly about the intricate details and future implications of this worldwide event. Yet, I know for a certainty the story is true and is acknowledged by untold multitudes to be the biggest event ever in the history of the world.
What is this, you ask? It is the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Soon Christians throughout the world will gather in their places of worship to celebrate this greatest event. The wondrous refrain "He is alive!" will ring from grass huts, open plains, meeting halls, churches, and cathedrals. The powerful and humble will acknowledge the reality of that claim by bowing down and prayerfully proclaiming "He is risen and He is Lord." An unseen and unheard, yet vast multitude, as great as the number of stars in the sky, will join in the resurrection chorus. People, both past and present, from every nation will unite in praise of the risen Lord and will joyfully proclaim this good news.
IN a world preoccupied with current events, let's not forget the resurrection. Easter is the hope of the world. Easter is the true, world-transforming power unleashed by Almighty God. Easter, the hope of the world, is the greater story of our time and of every time and we are invited to live in and to share it. The world offers "shock and awe." God offers our world "grace and love."
Thanks be to God!
Grace and Peace,
David