Gleanings…

Saw a sign the other day that stated, “All you need is love, and a sunset.”  I thought as I read it, “How romantic!”  Truly, one of the joys I have every year (that I can go) is to see the sun set on the ocean.  The colors, the breeze, the sound of the waves washing up on the shore; I love it and I never get tired of it.  But I thought of something else as I read the sign: All we really need is a sunrise.

Every year about this time, we celebrate Easter, and as holy days go, it is the perfect conclusion to the story of Jesus’ time on earth.  Think about it for a moment.  Where would we be without the gift of God taking on human form, living to enable us to know God better, and then dying on a cross to show us God’s love?  And then, on the third day, a sunrise!

“He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.”  Matt. 28:6.

Just as the sunrise assures us every morning that darkness does not hold ultimate sway in this world, Easter morning reminds us that death does not have the final word for our lives.  Because of love, we have a future that knows no end and cannot be taken from us.  Though the time of our mortal existence is determined by many factors—some we control, others we don’t—we will live eternally because not even death is stronger than God’s love for humankind.

What will be the form of our eternal existence?  I have no idea, but we are assured that we will be like Jesus (see 1 John 3).  This is good news without measure!

This year, invite someone you know who needs to see the sun rise again, to join you for an Easter Sunrise worship service.  Share the joy of greeting the new day with praise.  Invite them to join with you in a renewed life that begins and ends with Jesus every day.  May it be the beginning of a great relationship for all!

Peace,

Braxton ><>