Easter

Last year Easter sucked... so much so that I don't even remember it one bit! Nothing special happened and no one made a ham... This year's won't be much better I guess.

BUT- FEAR NOT... a good thought.

Last weekend I went to Bethlehem Baptist and heard John Piper speak. A small sentence struck me right away in the beginning. He said, "Easter is coming and this time you will hve no help from the world. No carols. No presents. It's up to you to decide the impact of this week." Wow... such a country we live in. People just don't care about Easter. It's the most important holiday we have! The most important event in all of history. The thing that breathes life and gives a promise of hope and future. And yet... we don't care.

I've found that I myself am offended at the pictures of the cross. Many were upset at the Passion movie scenes of brutality. The pain. Death. But oh then the Resurrection! It's amazing to think of it all. To actually sit back and think about the history... the implications... the pain... and the hope that follows.

Piper gave a message that was really interesting to me. I felt like I learned something new. It was from John 3 and Number 21. "Snakes in the Wilderness". I didn't really know about the story of God sending poisonous serpants to kill the Israelites in the desert. And Moses praying for Mercy and God granting it... Read the story... it's good. Seemingly unimportant yet intriguing. John 3:14- "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyon who believes in him may have eternal life."

A snake is offensive... why didn't they lift up a sheep? Or maybe a kitten. I wouldn't mind so much looking at something cute and cuddly to save me... but a snake? A beaten and bloody man?

A few observations from the sermon. 1) The serpent on the pole (Number 21) is not preventative- it doesn't stop the people from dying. It is a choice to look on it and be saved. There is still trouble and pain involved.

2) God poured out His justice and Wrath, but is reversing His anger by giving saving grace.

3) God chose to rescue sinful people from the curse with a picture of the curse.

Great thoughts. Cherish the Holiday... even if no one bakes you a ham.