A TIME TO CELEBRATE, MAYBE

So… I woke up this morning with my spirit severely vexed!! I lay in bed and ruminated on how turbulent these times are. I thought about how many of my fellow humans are suffering. I mostly thought of the gargantuan tasks that many people are facing with trying to keep their heads above water; how many are finding it next to impossible to successfully pay their bills on a regular basis. How so many folks out there are struggling to put food on their tables, struggling to provide the basic necessities that their families need to survive. It was so disturbing thinking about all of these oh too common concerns that are happening right now.

I pondered on how corporations are literally raking in money and continually filling their coffers while the everyman is one missed paycheck away from ruin. It brought to mind a statement that one executive of the Kroger grocery franchise purportedly made about how the stores were raising prices at every chance that they could and how profits were astronomical. The shareholders obviously are ‘living the life of Riley’ with all the dividends that they will be getting, while John Q Public is trying to decide between eating and paying this month's electric bill. Such a sad state of affairs that we, and by we, I mean, they, are not more concerned with the welfare of their fellow man.

But it wouldn't be me if my brain wasn't constantly acting like a cat chasing a laser pointer. The poor cat is just sitting there napping (cause cats love a good nap) when some awful human brings out the laser pointer, the poor cat doesn't stand a chance, it’s chasing that illusive red dot until all of its energy is exhausted. That’s my brain in a nutshell. Sigh!

And, so of course my thoughts were guided towards todays holiday; Easter. A day when many will don their fanciest attire to celebrate the rising/ resurrection of the Christ. A day of festive eating, chocolate candies of all types, and surely, I would be remiss if the Easter bunny wasn’t mentioned. Also, the day when Jesus was released from the tomb that he was laid to rest in and then afterwards ascended to the heavens to be with the Father.

Yes, a day that many believe that if it had not happened then we would all be relegated to having no relationship with GOD, which in itself would have been an egregious fate for all of us! I though, would like to posit another take on this most holy story.

I am a staunch believer in what is written in the scriptures at John 3:16. The Father most certainly made the greatest of sacrifices when he sent his son to live and suffer as a human on earth in order for mankind to have a chance for redemption. If you are a parent, you can understand the depth of pain that you would experience if this was your only option, or maybe you can’t, because the thought of paying such a hefty price may be unthinkable to you. That would be totally understandable.

Before leaving Heaven Jesus was assigned this most ominous task. He could have said no, but because he is the complete and total image of his father he willingly obeyed. Before his death and crucifixion, he, Jesus, even had second thoughts. On the night of his betrayal and capture he prayed incessantly. He even asked the Father to remove the ‘cup’ that he was about to endure, stating that only if it was GOD’s will to do so. He knew how humiliating, degrading, and grossly painful his death would be. Even still he went through with it for the sake of Man.

So, even though Easter has been chosen as the holiday to celebrate Jesus’ rising from the dead and therefore giving all humans a chance for atonement and a relationship with GOD, it is not actually scripturally recommended. The actual recommendation is written in Luke Chapter 22 Verses 15-16, and 19-20. Jesus spoke there saying, ‘do this in remembrance of me.’ Remember my death, remember the costs, remember my sacrifice!

So even though I’m up to having a delicious piece of chocolate and a good time often, Jesus has asked us to remember his willingness to give his all, especially his life for the vindication of man. He gave himself as a propitiatory sacrifice for the grace that Adam lost and therefore the grace that we as his offspring all lost.

Well, my mind has decided that it would like to rest, to enjoy and put away the musings of this day. I bid you all the most pleasant of days, whether you are celebrating Easter or not. Blessings!