Easter ... the celebration of the greatest victory, the greatest "comeback" (as Sport Illustrated stated in 2002), in History. Jesus died; the blood and water that flowed from his side from the piercing of the Roman soldier's spear proved it. The fear of the religious leaders who asked Pilate to place a guard of Roman soldiers at Jesus tomb documents it. The forgiving and transformational power of Jesus in peoples lives throughout history ... including NOW ... continually provides contemporary evidence.
I was so enthralled again by the Easter Gospel reading from Mark 16. The angels tell the women who have come early to open the tomb of Jesus to "go and tell his disciples and Peter" ... that He is risen, just as he said.
"... and Peter." You've got to love that. Peter was one of the disciples and the angels knew it. But, obviously, God wanted to make sure that he got the message. "Peter, I am alive. I was dead; I died for your sins, your threefold denial of Me, in fact. But I am alive forevermore; I live to forgive, restore, and change your life. " God wanted Peter to know.
I was caught, transfixed as I realized that God also says to me, "... and tell David," as I read the Gospel lesson, as I imagine the women sharing the same message with me. Good Friday is a time of sin contemplation and review that would be unbearable ... if I didn't live in the hope of Easter and the Gospel word (Good News) spoken to me through the Scriptures. "... and tell David."
After the Easter services, a funeral on Saturday prior to Easter, and the Good Friday Services (I absolutely love them at Our Savior) ... I am filled again with the desire to find a way to encourage my family (personal and church) to have the crucified, risen, and reigning Jesus share His forgiveness (pardon), peace, and power, and the continual inspiration and direction of His Word regularly.
With health issues behind my son and myself, the planning and building of the new church and school and campus over -- at least my part in it -- I want to take up "building" for the family in a different way. This blog will serve as one of those ways. I hope my wife and children will be encouraged, and sometimes challenged, by what they read. And if you are also, God be praised.
Right now, join me in rejoicing, as together we hear the Gospel Word of "... and Peter" and plug in your name.
