Message from Pastor Tom:
He has Risen! He has risen indeed. The tomb is
empty!
The resurrection of the
Savior is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. As we reflect on the physical
pain Jesus endured on Good Friday so we could live forever with Him, let’s also
contemplate the purpose of our own pain, especially at this time with
the onset of Covid-19, loss of jobs, and the isolation of not being able to
leave our home. Everyone reading this blog is going through something that’s
painful. Now is the time we need to stand strong, not only in our personal
surroundings but spiritually as well. We cannot help but face some sort of
trials and tribulation, Jesus Himself warned us of this. We can either let the
hardships make us bitter or better. It can serve as a stepping-stone or
stumbling block. Remember it’s up to us! Jesus’ passion and suffering produced
the opportunity for the salvation of the world. Our suffering ultimately makes
us more like Jesus as Philippians 3:10 stated, “That I may know him, and the
power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made
conformable unto his death.” This gives us future opportunities to minister to
others.
Although we may not
understand it now, the pain we are going through always serves a purpose!
Nowhere do we see this more clearly than in the life of Christ Himself. In the
garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is nearly overcome with anguish and distress. He
tells His disciples, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.” He
cries out to God, using a term of intimate endearment, “Abba! Daddy, save me!
But not my will but yours.” He will say that two more times, swollen drops of
sweat falling to the ground like blood. Jesus shows it is not a courageous
spirit God desires, but a willing one.
Feeling sorrowful is
expected, but denying God’s will because of our own emotional struggle is not
an option, “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and
familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, he was
despised, and we held him in low esteem” Isaiah 53:3. We can all see this as a
moment of temptation for Jesus, but He does not give in. The same thing happens
in our own lives where we desire God’s will, but when it comes time to pursue
Him deeply and pray earnestly, we succumb to other distractions. This happens
in my life more than I want to admit. Our spirit is willing, but our flesh is
weak.
At the beginning of the
passion story line, the Gospels emphasize trust and obedience in the Father.
These passages reveal the heart of Jesus and the calling of all who would
follow Him, and to stand faithfully in prayer and lean into the will of God,
not their own understanding. We must remember the goal is not to focus on the
path or on our pain, but instead try to find our own way. We can do this by fixing our
eyes on Jesus, because He is not only our guide but also our destination. He
will welcome us home with open arms when we finish life's race and cross into
eternity with Him.
Heidi and I wish a Happy
and Blessed Easter to you and your family as we celebrate our Father’s greatest
sacrifice through His Son, Jesus Christ, and pray this Easter you receive God's
Love, Grace, and His never-ending peace. Please keep yourself and your family
safe, remember God loves you, and He always grants you His peace.
Blessings from a pastor
and his wife
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking
for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See
the place where they laid him." Mark 16-6
