Sometimes we miss something wonderful even when we stand right next to it.
Looking back, I think that’s what happened to me a few times as a pastor during the holy week leading up to Easter. Not that I missed the significant of the events we commemorate. After all, Christ’s passion, his rejection and betrayal, and especially his death and resurrection are at the foundation for our faith. I studied God’s word faithfully, and I believe we honored the Lord in the ministries we conducted through the week.
But in all the ministry activity I did so others would worship the Savior, I often missed the opportunity to ponder, savor, and rejoice in what he accomplished for us.
My scripture reading this morning was Romans 6. Here Paul uses baptism to explain the effect of Christ’s death and resurrection upon to the believer. In vs. 6 he says, “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin.” What a glorious thought!
That Jesus died and rose again is a point worthy of great rejoicing. That he did so to free you and me from the bondage of sin, that we might consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus (Rom. 6:11) should prompt great love, joy, gratitude, and deep worship.
As the churches of GTBN celebrate the Lord this week, as we prepare to share Christ with many who are not regularly engaged with any church, amid all the activity, take a pause and savor the beauty of what and who we celebrate. Don’t miss the wonder that’s right next to you.
Father, may the churches across GTBN glorify your name in their Resurrection Day worship, may your Spirit draw unbelievers and may they hear your gospel clearly, and may all we do in celebration of the Lord Jesus Christ this week bless and please you.
Bro. Jim