What does Easter mean to me? Right now, in this chapter of life?
Twelve years ago when I made the decision to live my life for Christ, Easter meant one thing–food. My mother is the queen of Easter feasts (and any other holiday feast for that matter). Easter meant buying a pretty new dress; it meant I had to wear tights to church; and afterward, it meant I got to chow down on ham, deviled eggs, and a plethora of Easter candy (Whopper eggs are the bessst).
But at 13 years old, I am pretty sure I was more focused on soccer, friends, and boys than on what that day truly means. Could I have guessed that 12 short years later, the message of this day would be taking me literally across the world? How was I to know how the Lord would so sweetly and patiently pursue my heart and draw me closer to him over those years? As a young teen, I could have never grasped the full power and depth of my Lord hanging on the Cross but not staying there. I could have never understood how he defeated death just so we could be together one day in Heaven. At that time I was just being introduced to the greatest Love the world has ever known.
And now it is time for me to carry that Love overseas to those who have never known it. How could I keep that Message a secret?
One thing I pondered this past weekend as I considered the crucifixion of Christ was, where were his followers when it was all going down? Luke 23:49 says "But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching."
Where were the thousands of followers who had followed Him and crowded Him and begged for healing just days before?
Did they run and hide, hoping not to be found to be associated with Christ?
Did they stand and watch and cry out among the scoffers, "Crucify him!"
Did they chant along to free Barabbas when they had the chance to free the one who had healed them and taught them and loved them?
Why were they so easily swayed to turn on my Savior by the leading priests and teachers of religious law?
More importantly, where would I have been?
