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The Easter celebration is more than a reminder of the resurrection of Christ. It is an occasion to sharpen and renew our relationship with Jesus, and for some, perhaps… the beginning of eternity. When we truly accept and live the promise of the resurrection, we become disciples of the Living Christ alive with a vision of a life ever after with our Lord. Although we are still earthly bound, we are afforded the opportunity to the begin eternity with Christ. It is through our belief in the power of the resurrection that our earthly focus changes and we respond faithfully listening and following a Risen Lord. It is by our faith in the resurrection of Jesus, who conquered death for all believers, that we find the strength, discipline, redemption, and forgiveness to live in God’s sanctifying grace and fulfill His plan for each of us.

Consider the profound expression of faith by Martha. As Jesus approached Bethany, Martha was waiting outside her home to explain that Lazarus had died, and to tender a request to save him. Martha answered a question that each of us much answer for ourselves. Do we believe that  esus
truly is the Resurrection and the Light?

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” John 11:23-27.

Martha expressed an understanding vested in a deep faith of the power of the Messiah. She said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”1 Accepting and living an uncompromised faith in the power of the resurrection opens new horizons in ministry to every follower of Jesus. The Easter message is clear; awaken to a new life through the power of the Risen Lord. Jesus said, … All things can be done for the one who believes.”2

Paul explains to Timothy the authority of the Holy Spirit granting to us power, love, and self-discipline because Jesus destroyed death and revealed to us a perspective of immortality through the Gospel.

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and selfdiscipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:7-10.

Paul understood and lived the promise of the resurrection carrying the Gospel of Christ Jesus to countless thousands across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. His eternity with Christ began on the road to Damascus and continued forever …and ever. God’s promise of eternal salvation is not limited to only the first disciples and the most holy but to everyone without exception despite our failings. It’s not where you start… Jesus loves us carrying more about our future and less about our past. Our renewal begins with accepting that we are children of a Loving God and a belief that His forgiveness and redemption is available to all. How will a follower of Jesus, alive in the promise of the resurrection, change a family, a neighborhood, a church, or the world?

Prayer: Father, guide us to a strong and enduring faith. Reinforce our commitment to the ministry of Jesus. Encourage and inspire our lives with a vision of the resurrection and life eternal. Open our hearts to love without exception and to develop new relationships that allow us to speak of the Gospel, Your grace, and redemption. We make this prayer in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.

1 John 11:21.
2 Mark 9:23:

The Wesleyan Bridge is written by K.B. Kelly with the Reverend Valerie Mireb and Pastor Hank Brooks as Theological Editors with Debbie Kelly as Text and Content Editor.