Easter Sunday Afterthoughts

Each year I find myself in a mental struggle during Easter Sunday and each year the struggle becomes a little more intense. I've not known the reason for my my frustrations on Easter in the recent years, but this year I may have begun to figure out some of the rub.

I heard on Sunday, that the Resurrection cannot and should not be separated from the Crucifixion (and visa versa). If we are to be raised with Christ, then we too must carry our cross before we can be raised.

I wonder if I have really, truly, faced my cross. It's difficult to look ahead to a resurrection Sunday, when you're uncertain of having already endured a suffering on the Friday before. Sunday should give hope to Friday, but it doesn't dull the pain that comes with bearing a cross.
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7 comments:

  1. Too many Christians spend more time focused on the crucifixion instead of the resurrection.

    The crucifixion is not the center of Christianity, the resurrection is.

    It's all about grace.

    I don't have to face my cross. Christ faced it for me.

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  2. Interesting thoughts. The Resurrection gives us hope. I agree with what Michael said about the Resurrection being the center of Christianity because at the end of the day, it is a religion of hope and faith. Christ died for our sins so that we wouldn't have to suffer as he did during the Crucifixion.

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  3. Thanks for the reply guys.

    I suppose I struggle with some of what you said as I dwell on it more. I don't dismiss what you say and I don't deny grace, but I realize Jesus carried a cross I am unable to carry (grace), but depending on how you read Mark 8, he does tell us to take up our own cross and follow him.

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  4. ...but it does give hope and a FUTURE for those who believe!!

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  6. The other thing we HAVE to remember is that it's easy to look at the crucifixion as a terrible thing, but in the upside down Kingdom of God, it wasn't a defeat, but a victory. Jesus wasn't defeated; He defeated the powers of sin and darkness. So yes, we should focus on the crucifixion, but as Ben pointed out, not without the Resurrection. Both are victories.

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  7. Ben, this may sound like a crazy recommendation.

    I've heard lots of views on grace, but Bono really has it down. If you get a chance, watch these videos from Bono and Bill Hybels:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilSef9kJapo

    Or if you are a fan, read Walk On: The Spiritual Journey Of U2 by Steve Stockman.

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