Easter Thought

All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.  The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.

 (Isiaah 40:6-8)

 

So here we are at Easter, the biggest celebration of the Christian year. If the church was a garden centre it would be full to overflowing this Easter. If we were selling plants - the grass that withers and the flowers that fall - we'd be bustling with people wanting to come and see.

 

The words of the prophet Isaiah remind us that, like plants, our time here on earth is limited; death is inevitable.

 

The message of Easter reminds us that, while life on earth is limited, after death comes the resurrection. Unlike life on earth the resurrection will be eternal. Whether that resurrection is to eternal bless (heaven) or eternal condemnation (hell) will depend not on how we have lived our lives but simply in who or what we have put our faith.

 

Eternal life in heaven comes only from putting our faith in Jesus and his death in the cross for us.

 

The church has much more to offer than a few plants that wither and fall; it offers real hope – not only hope of an exciting and glorious future but also hope of a better life while we are here on earth. Take a few moments to read the words Psalm 1 and the hope and encouragement it contains for those who put their faith in God.

 

If you want to more about Jesus and the eternal life that He offers why not come along to one of Easter celebrations or pick up a copy of 'Why Jesus?' or 'Journey into Life' from the bookcase.

 

Psalm 1

 

Blessed is the man
       who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
       or stand in the way of sinners
       or sit in the seat of mockers.

 

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
       and on his law he meditates day and night.

 

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
       which yields its fruit in season
       and whose leaf does not wither.
       Whatever he does prospers.

 

Not so the wicked!
       They are like chaff
       that the wind blows away.

 

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
       nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

 

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
       but the way of the wicked will perish.