A pastor asked a group of children if any of them knew the story of Easter. Some talked about bunnies and eggs. But one boy at the back offered a different perspective: “On the third day after his crucifixion, Jesus came to life, rolled away the stone, and walked out of the tomb." The Pastor was elated. But the boy continued, “And if he sees his shadow, then there are six more weeks of winter.” He almost had the right story.
What difference does Jesus’ resurrection make for us? Paul and Barnabas connect the resurrection story with our forgiveness. If Jesus died and rose again, we may be set free from every sin and justified before God. Isn’t this good news? Paul offered the invitation: believe this good news. After this lengthy sermon, the people who heard him invited him to preach the next week. Paul and Barnabas encouraged them to continue in the grace of God.
Paul Jones said, “What one sees in life depends upon where one sets up shop. I set up my shop at the entrance of an empty tomb.” So do I. How about you? What difference does the bodily resurrection make to us? As we walk through this veil of tears, in the valley of the shadow of death, the resurrection makes all the difference in the world. Our loved ones who die in the Lord will live with God in a new heaven and new earth forever. There it will always be Easter, and never be winter again. Believe the good news!
