I will tell you, I’ve waited weeks to be able to write you this post today. I hope each one of you had a very wonderful, memorable and joyous Easter weekend! Easter has been a special time in all of my life, from the early years of waiting with anticipation to see just what frilly and colorful dress my sister and I would get to wear. They were always matching in some way. Either the same dress in different colors or we may have had different hats, gloves and purses… but it was all there, put together in marvelous fashion! It was always a time to celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection at church each year. The day holds many fond memories for me. Yet – nothing like when the first time I heard the Gaither song – “It is Finished“.
The resurrection story is the reason we celebrate, but have you ever taken the time to personalize it for you, your family and loved ones? Oh sure, we’ve whispered to ourselves, “this even applies to me“, but have you deeply and openly considered what that truly means?
As Jesus hung on the cross and His death came, it brought the end of a conflict. That all seems to make perfect sense to us. The prophecy was fulfilled. Jesus would rise three days later and ascend in to heaven. The story was complete. But wait!
Despite what we know about that story, we tend to forget that it was done for each one of us. You, me, everyone and anyone. It is easy for us to think that the story applies to those who are strong Christians, who we may see as unwavering, undoubting. We may struggle with fully believing that this story can alleviate that battle we’ve been struggling with. That persistent, often nagging feeling that we aren’t good enough, because… (you fill in the rest).
But as the song says…
Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages
Had fought all the battles for me
And that victory was mine for the claiming
And now praise his name, I am free
You’ll notice it doesn’t say, only the battles that I think are worthy, or only this kind of battle, but not that kind. It is ALL the battles – and for me.
Listen to this song, performed by the Gaither Vocal Band. There is not one time since I’ve heard this song (many years ago), that I don’t turn up the volume, often sing along, with tears welling up in my eyes. To me, this is the powerful reminder, that yes, I too, am worthy. Listen to it over and over, if you need to, until you believe it too.
This morning, this day, may it be the start of a time for you where you walk tall, lift your head high and greet everyone you meet with a smile and warmth that says, “You should have what I have, and know what I know, because I want you to be there with me too“.
Amen and Amen!