The origins of Easter concerned the spring equinox being a sacred time for other cultures such as pagan festivals. In some cases, as it is with most pagan customs, fertility was the theme. But this celebration of rebirth and renewal is also the perfect time to rejoice in the resurrection of Christ. Celebrate life with jubilation. 1 Peter 1:5 — “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” Jesus sacrificed himself on that old rugged cross just as a lamb without blemish would be sacrificed for our sins on the altar in the temple. He is both the Lamb of God, and the Lion of Judah! Contrary to what many believe today to be “Good Friday” is actually NOT the day that Jesus was crucified but was instead believed to be on a Wednesday. This was a lie that was supported by the Roman Catholic church but does not make sense for it to have been “3 days and 3 nights.” It was also during Passover which relates to the plagues in Egypt when the Angel of Death passed by the doorway of each home painted with the blood of a lamb. This was a mark of obedience to the Lord to spare God’s chosen people from death. In Matthew 12:38-40 we find evidence of the truth — “Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.’ But He answered and said to them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.’”
Indeed, Jesus died and rose again on the third day! It is believed by scholars that he rose just before sunrise on Sunday, the Son of Man rising before the sun would also have its’ own significance as well. It is because of God’s agape love for us that we can have a personal relationship with Him now and be set free from the bondage of sins as told in Romans 6:5-6 — “For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” Yahweh paid the wages of sin, which is death and because of that, we are now forgiven. Because of His selfless action, we no longer are bound to law, the veil was torn. While the Word is no longer flesh among us, the Holy Spirit is in His place, mingling with our spirits when we invite Him in. It is when we die to ourselves, that we know what it means to be made whole and be clothed in His righteousness. In John 14:15-18 Jesus addresses His disciples before he dies — “’If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.’” We were once lost children undeserving of the Lord’s grace, but we have been adopted by God and are now royalty and joint heirs to Jesus. Jesus is King. He wore a crown of thorns which symbolizes sin (although it was given to Him to mock Him), because prior to the fall of man in Genesis there were no thorns on roses. But when he rose again, he traded that crown for a crown of a King. The one TRUE King of ALL Kings, Jesus Christ.
Today on Resurrection Sunday, we praise Yahweh and honor this day when our Lord and Savior conquered the grave. We celebrate this promise of life everlasting, and unfailing love! We celebrate the resurrection power that dwells within us now because of the Holy Spirit! The bunny has nothing on the rolling stone, but it is one of God’s creatures used to represent new life. The Easter eggs also represent resurrection, so each positive aspect of the holiday can be used to honor Jesus in some way. These are just creative ways and symbols first used by pagans (anyone that did not worship God) that we can use with the similar meaning to worship Elohim. Even things inspired by man can be used to praise Him. This is the day the Lord hath made!
Happy Easter!
