If you’ve ever been to see the sea, you’ve likely noticed the way in which the water ebbs and flows. Where the waterline stops when you arrive at the ocean is likely not where it will be when you depart. The water is in a constant cycle of coming in and creeping up the beach, then retreating back out into the deep blue abyss. It is generally a very slow and deliberate process. If one isn’t paying attention, the arrival of the tide in their space can come as a shock and throw them into a short jolt of panic as they scramble to respond to its presence. In the same way, as the tide recedes, one often finds oneself with a great view of the sea of sand rather than the sea itself. In both cases, a lack of intentional observation can cause the beach goer to miss the beauty before them.
The same is true when we consider the beauty and glory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Of all the major holidays, Easter garners the least attention in most circles. This makes sense in the broader culture, but ought not be so within the church. Much like the coming and going of the tide, Easter is upon us before we know it, we scramble in response to its presence, then it’s gone, and we move on with our lives.
For those who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, the resurrection of Jesus is the most important moment in human history.
For those who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, the resurrection of Jesus is the most important moment in human history. In Romans 10:9, Paul writes, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” The Christian faith is founded upon the authority of Jesus and acceptance of the truth of the resurrection. Paul takes it a step further in 1 Corinthians 15:17 when he writes, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” The truth of the resurrection is of utmost importance. It is the very beating heart of the gospel. It is the resurrection that confirms the claims of Christ and His ability to serve as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. It is the resurrection that provides us hope for the future and courage to follow through the difficulties of today. The resurrection is worthy of remembrance and celebration beyond a single Sunday in the spring.
It may come as a surprise to some to learn that the 50 days following Resurrection Sunday are known as Eastertide. I confess that while I had heard the term used in the past, I hadn’t given it much consideration until quite recently. Rather than treating Easter like a flood that comes and goes leaving a wake of candy wrappers and crumpled up pastel clothing in its wake, Easter should be treated like the tide. It reaches its high point on resurrection Sunday, but then slowly recedes as we reflect and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus in the days and weeks that follow.
The truth of the resurrection is of utmost importance. It is the very beating heart of the gospel. It is the resurrection that confirms the claims of Christ and His ability to serve as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
“He has risen… He has risen, indeed!” This declaration echoes in the sanctuaries of churches the world over on Easter Sunday. It should continue to reverberate in our hearts in the weeks that follow. Truly, it should reside in the very front of our minds and on the tips of our tongues. It is the truth of the good news of the gospel.
Christ has died. Christ was buried. Christ has risen. Christ is coming again. May we mind the tide during this Eastertide season. Let us reflect and rest as the waves of God’s grace roll in and soothe our weary souls. And, may the truth and hope of the resurrection fill us with courage and compassion as we seek to share this good news with the world Christ came to save.
