Live the Resurrection from Monday onward

Here we are at Holy Week. This coming Sunday will be Easter Sunday. Many of us will be dressing in our fancy go-to-meetin’ clothes. (That’s a homage to the Beverly Hillbillies). There will be Easter eggs sought and many family meals shared. But, what about Monday?

Holy Week starts on the Monday after Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. In that time, we have the capture, accusation, prosecution, conviction, and execution of the Son of God. The one man without sin gets accused and executed anyway, and for what? Did he do it so we could come to church at least once a year on Sunday? Did he do it so we could hide Easter eggs and give cute little ducks and bunnies and gifts to our children? Did he do it for the Chocolate Bunny industry? The answer to all of these is a solid no. His death was to pay for our sins. His resurrection was to assure us that death no longer has hold on to us. On the cross he forgave us, and his blood atones for our sins.

So, what about Monday?

When you go back to your routines will anything change? Does the fact that someone died for you even make a difference in your life?

Folks, the day after Resurrection Day should be a day of rejoicing. In fact, the life after Resurrection Day should be a life of rejoicing. Christ did not die and rise again so we could remain where we are. He did not go through all that pain and suffering so you and I could be the same. He came to save us from sins and give us hope in the age to come. He came to pay a price for our sins that we can not pay. Paul tells us in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” That gift was offered on Good Friday and delivered on Easter Sunday.

That is also the gift that is offered to you, me, and everyone else today. So again, I ask you, what about Monday? You have good news to share, will anyone hear it? You have been offered forgiveness; will you accept it? Is Easter going to make a change in your life, or are you going to be satisfied with the status quo?

Christ came into the world so that the world might be saved (John 3:17). God is not about destroying creation, he is about redeeming it, and ever since that Easter day so many years ago, redemption has been offered.

Please, make Monday different. Don’t accept the worlds offer of conformity. Be changed by the Resurrection. Be the new creation that God is offering to you.

Then go about helping others to know the Christ who died for them. Tell them of the love. Change the world for the better by being and making disciples of the LIVING CHRIST. Live the resurrection life not just on Monday, but everyday of the week. Then, commit to being in church on Sunday.

Be the Resurrection.

See you in church.

Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.