Easter Message

I had been wondering about an Easter message for my blog. This came through in an email from a friend and I thought that I would use it. It tells the Easter story and also issues a challenge.
Hope it makes both Christians and non-Christians stop and think. Have a wonderful Easter.

A Moment to Consider - March 20, 2008-------------------------------------------------------------------Jesus has come! A Note of EncouragementBy Chuck Graham- Copyright March 2008, (Adapted) Sign up for Chuck's letter at ChuckGraham@ciloa.org-------------------------------------------------------------------It was two thousand years ago and something was about to change the history of this planet and the people who live here. In one certain city, on one certain day, the extraordinary was taking place. Though there had been ample warning, no one imagined it could happen like this. But word had gotten out and excitement grew quickly. From man to man, woman to woman, and child to child, the news spread like wildfire. Theygathered along a road and started to chant. Local authorities were nervous as they watched a growing crowd they could not control. Suddenly a great shout rose in the air. "Jesus has come!"

Many began to sing and praise God. Others called out blessings on the traveler who slowly made his way down the road. They strained for a better view, even a glimpse. And then there he was before them, riding not a royal steed, but a common donkey. The people declared their hope that he was the one they had been waiting for, to bring a new order to theworld. They had come to adore the one who would give them what they wanted, but did they want what he had come to give them?

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, there were great expectations. People hated the Romans and longed for someone to drive them from their land. Whether it was Him or some self-proclaimed savior who had come before, they didn't care. They were not so much interested in what Jesus had to say as they were in one simple question. Will you give us what we want? If He did, they would gladly worship Him as their king.

But if He didn't... Crucify him!

They would rather have had a murderer in their midst than follow Him.

I wonder. Have things changed much in the years since? I search each day for some indication. I listen to church leaders. I hear the messages from pulpits. I watch those who claim to be Christian as they take on the problems of the world. I look at my own life, my own priorities. And still I wonder.

In the months and weeks and days before Jesus entered Jerusalem, He shared with His disciples that He would suffer, die and be raised on the third day. He told them this was necessary for their own good. But they did not believe Him, one claiming that it was not true. Some argued He should not go to Jerusalem. For them, other things were more important, such as their safety, their rest, even their personal importance in Jesus' kingdom. What they wanted...got in the way.

The same was true for those drawn to Jesus. Every day before His arrest, He taught in the synagogue, but what was most important to these people? The lame came. The blind came. The sick came. They could walk, they could see, they were healed, but did they follow Him? Many saw the miracles and wonderful things Jesus did. They came for the show, but did not want what He had come to give them. They weren't with Him when He was tried and beaten, or when He died? What they wanted...got in the way.

Jesus made it clear that our status, our wealth, our house, even what we do for a living, mean nothing compared to the importance of following Him. If anyone would come after me,he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26

To follow Jesus requires that we deny ourselves, and to deny ourselves means we have given up what we want in order to pursue what He wants. Not that we are willing to, but that we have. There can be only one focus and that has to be Jesus. Living as He has shown us. Doing what He has told us to do...loving and encouraging each other. Being a truthful witness of what He has done in our lives.

As you sit in church this Easter, or wherever you may go to worship, ask yourself, Do I honestly follow Jesus? Do I truly want what He has to give me? Or is it more important that He gives me what I want? Consider carefully...for Jesus has come.

Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, "Sir, open the door for us." But he will answer, "I don't know you or where you come from." Luke 13:24-25

Take care and be God's,------------------------------------------------------------------- A MOMENT TO CONSIDER is a ministry of: Harvey and June Schneider Servant Soldiers Ministries Daphne, Alabama-------------------------------------------------------------------