EASTER IS NOT YET DONE WITH ME …

I don't think Easter is quite done with me yet. The truth and power of His Resurrection continues to stir my spirit. I’ve started each day since Easter asking two questions:

1. What is He saying to me today?

2. What does He want me to learn in this post-Easter season?

For many years, I've been “that guy” - the one who breaks out a new suit at Easter and when church is over, lunch has been eaten and eggs have been hunted, I shove that suit into the closet ready to move on to the next big "religious holiday." But that’s not how it’s working this year. I’m still wearing Easter and I don’t want to take it off.

For several personal reasons, this has been a most unusual Easter. I’ve a feeling that in years to come, when I recall Easter 2023, I might remember that the significance of Resurrection Sunday will never be the same. Today, I was reminded by my Heavenly Father that the relevance of Easter is not that it’s a ritual, but a living revelation, filled with grace, mercy and His never ending pursuit of me.

So, in the midst of a world putting Easter away and moving on, might we let it visit with us for just a bit longer?

My Bible is open to the account of the women at the tomb and as my heart embraces the words of the angel in Matthew 28, six prayers have emerged …

1. "Do not be afraid," - God, I hand over to You those things that would make me afraid. Resurrect any part of my faith that’s been squelched by fear. And I thank you, God, that after the Resurrection, the first words from Heaven, through the angel to humanity was “fear not.” Today, these words that I so desperately need ring loud with assurance.

2. "I know that you are looking for Jesus," - God, when my soul is searching, help me remember that the answer to every longing can be found in You.

3. "He has risen," - God, the fact that Jesus is risen should lift my head, my heart and my attitude. Help me to live today believing this truth in my most secret places.

4. "Just as he said," - Jesus, You keep Your promises. Today, I choose to live out the certainty and faithfulness of every promise you have given. Help me trust You more, obey You more and resemble You more.

5. "Come and see," - Jesus, You had the angels invite the women in to see for themselves that You had risen. You invite me into these personal revelations every day. Forgive me for sometimes rushing about and forgetting to come and see - to see You, to see your Word, to see your insights and to rest in the undeniable evidence of your love.

6. "Then go quickly and tell his disciples," - Jesus, I don't want to be a secret keeper with my faith. I want to be a bold and gracious truth proclaimer. For You. With You. Because of You. 

Y’all excuse me, but I want to hear His voice and bask in the “peace of His presence,” so I'm hanging around Easter a bit longer.

Mike Coleman