People of the Resurrection

Easter is the celebration of the resurrected Christ-Jesus our Lord. As we join the celebration we leave behind Lent and our Lenten disciplines. We eat sweets, drink cokes, stop fasting for a season, etc. We are filled with joy as we are reminded that Christ has won the victory, he has triumphed over death by being resurrected by God.

We, as his followers, share in his victory. Sin has lost its grip; death has lost its sting; and Satan is defeated. Yet we still sin; we will die one day; and Satan prowls around like a lion seeking to devour its prey. The question then is, “how do we live as victorious people and followers of the resurrected Christ?”

In the hymn, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” we sing, “the cross before me, the world behind me.” The way to live as people of the resurrection is to constantly put before us the cross. On the cross of Christ, all my sins and transgressions were nailed along with Jesus (Col. 2:14). On the cross, Jesus died for my sins.

On the cross, I am reminded that I daily need to die to self and walk in the resurrection. To live totally sold out to Christ is a difficult task which no person could do perfectly. However, by the power of Christ and his spirit in us, we can daily die to the sin in our lives becoming more Christ like.

Walking as people of the resurrection is not about being perfect. It is about being real with one’s own self and knowing our shortcomings. Being more self-aware allows us to confess our sins, avoid temptations, and flee idolatry.

Yes, the victory is won; death has lost its sting; and Satan is defeated. But the pockets of resistance to Christ’s Lordship are still prevalent. We may give up our Lenten fasts but we can ill-afford to let down our guard to the wiles of the devil.

Walking in the resurrection means to daily die to self and to walk victoriously. Alleluia, Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!