When I pastored a small church with limited resources, I struggled to prepare an Easter sermon. How do I present the most significant event in human history in a fresh, creative way that will captivate the listeners’ interest who have heard the story since childhood? Large churches might enlist a Christian recording artist, compile a multi-media presentation, or produce a drama on par with a Broadway play. They are all good if Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection remain the central focus. I pray that many accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

This Easter will be my most personal and meaningful ever, but it has nothing to do with the extraordinary measures of any Easter service.

From the time I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at the age of 9, I have had the assurance that I will go to heaven when I die. The promise of eternal life is based on the Resurrection. Those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior know that heaven awaits them when their life on earth is over. They also know that they will see their loved ones who have gone before them and are true followers of Christ. I have always known this, but it never struck me as personally as this Easter.

I shared my story of walking beside Jasmine on our covid journey at a recent family gathering and was asked, “Do you feel like you have closure?” My answer was yes, but I would have to say yes and no upon further reflection. When she was in a medically induced coma, I believe she could hear when I shared my heart with her. In that sense, I felt like I have closure. On the other hand, the last time I spoke to her when she was conscious, her hospital room was in chaos, and she was not understanding what was happening. That is not what I wanted our last conversation to be, so in that sense, it does not feel like I have closure.

Why is this Easter my most meaningful and personal ever? The Resurrection promises that I will be reunited with Jasmine, whether by death or the Rapture! We will not be reunited as husband and wife as Jesus said, “In the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage” (Matthew 22:30). Nevertheless, it does not diminish the joy of anticipating our reunion, because the honor and privilege of being part of the Bride of Christ transcend any earthly marriage. It will be far beyond anything we have experienced on earth, for “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Do you have a loved one who has gone on to be with the Lord? Do you look forward to reconnecting with them in eternity? This Easter, celebrate the promise of this hope because of the Resurrection.

Jasmine had a special connection with my dad. I am sure they have picked up where they left off!

Stop and Consider . . .

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