The hope of Easter
Published 7:00 pm Sunday, March 31, 2013
We messed up and the trial was coming. We had no defense. What were we going to say? We were guilty. We broke the law. Not once, but several times. The law was clear and we broke it. The trial would be harsh.
The day came and we stood before the judge. He began to list the charges and it took him a while because there were many. Our palms sweated and we shook with fear, because we knew the sentence would be severe.
The judge finished reading the charges and he paused before reading the sentence… “death.” We began to weep when a man started to approach the judge. He walked firmly yet gently. He whispered something to the judge and we leaned in with great curiosity.
The judge then announced a most shocking statement: “This man has volunteered to take your punishment,” he said.
We were silent. We didn’t know what to say or what to think. Who was this man and why would he do such a thing?
“You, sir,” announced the judge, “are sentenced to death…death on a cross. You will be mocked and laughed at. You will be beaten and your hands and feet will be nailed to a tree.”
But this man was innocent. He did nothing wrong. We were the ones who committed the crimes. Who was he and why would he take our place?
Jesus died nearly 2,000 years ago. He took my place and your place. We messed up.
But the story doesn’t end there. This morning, the sun rose, signifying his rising from the dead. He defeated the crimes we committed, death and darkness. Today, He is alive. And I am free. Why would He do such a thing? Love; for every unlovable creature on this earth.
The sun on this Easter morning reminds us of hope. We lied and cheated and were unkind. But we have hope because He already paid the debt. He took the punishment so we could be free – free to live abundantly on this Easter day and every day. We do not have to live in guilt or shame, but freedom in Him and His love.
In remembering Him, I will also enjoy the Easter festivities of this day. Easter is a time of colored eggs and chocolate bunnies. Baskets overflowing with plastic grass and Cadbury eggs are everywhere. Children wait for a giant bunny to bring them goodies on Easter morning. Eggs will be colored like the rainbow by little helpers with blue and pink fingers. Little girls will want to add glitter and little boys will want to camouflage their eggs for some top secret mission.
Easter is so much fun. Sunday morning is an array of pastel colors seated in every row. After church, Easter eggs may be sought out by tiny hunters and huntresses, and lots of candy will be consumed, much to the chagrin of the parents. The sugar-crazed hunters will also want to snack on boiled eggs. I like them covered in salt.
Fun will be had by all. In all the fun and chocolate, I will remember the sun that rose this morning and I will remember Him.
Lifestyles Editor Jessica Boyd can be reached at The Daily Leader at 601-833-6961 ext. 134, by email at jessica.boyd@dailyleader.com or you can write to her at P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602.