Easter Reflections
Last Easter I preached to a camera in an empty room. There was no one to greet before the service, no congregation with which to sing. The only “amen” that was heard came out of my mouth when I closed the service in prayer. Thankfully, this Easter we were able to gather with our church family. Often, on Mondays I share a quick recap of Sunday’s message. This week I want to share some reflections about Easter 2021.
First, the faithfulness of God shines through this Easter. God did not raise Jesus from the dead only to abandon His people. Throughout history, Christians have endured far worse times than these, but those trials and tribulations are so far removed from our experiences that few knew this by experience. Easter 2021 reminded me that Jesus promised, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Jesus is still building His church.
Second, the church of 2021 is leaner and more focused than ever before. The last year has stripped away many of the extraneous things about church. There will always be people who want the church to be more of a social club or to cater to some special interest. A long season of limitations on what churches are able to do has focused God’s people on the mission. No matter what the world around us looks like our marching orders remain: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). God’s people need to say with Nehemiah, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” (Nehemiah 6:3).
Third, there is a growing hunger among the people of God to serve and to minister. People have a fresh appreciation for what it means to have a church family. People have a fresh desire to reach their neighbors and friends for Christ. The church of 2021 is more passionate about being the church.
Finally, I continue to see a spiritual hunger in America. Church attendance may have lost ground over this past year, yet people are still open to spiritual things. As American society continues to rush headlong toward the vision of social progressives, only churches that emphasize the power of the Gospel will have the spiritual vitality to offer hope to our world. Only the Gospel of Jesus is the power of God to salvation (Rom. 1:16) and only the Word of God is sufficient to train us for life and godliness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). I’m thankful to be part of a church that believes this and I’m thankful that God is at work!