Easter is over. In most households, the chocolate eggs and rabbits are probably all consume. All that remains as evidence is perhaps a few chocolate wrappers, or for the more restrained some still-to-be consumed chocolate, for others a few new pimples as evidence of the Easter feast. The Royal Children's hospital can look forward to some new projects in 1991 as a result of the generosity of Victorians, and Crossover Australia reflects on the TV campaign over the time. The event is over. We have returned to work, school, normal programming. (Fortunately school holidays are not too far ahead!) Is this the way it has to be?
While we focus an the message of the cross once each year by reflecting on the events that lead up to it - events rooted deeply in human history - we recognise that the work only began at Easter. The suffering and death of Jesus was a unique, unrepeatable event. He was "offered once to bear the sins of many" (Heb 9:28), but the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ continues to transform lives each day in all places around the world. Such transformation only takes place as we live out the meaning of Easter in everyday life. Our lives must declare, along with our words, the truth of the Easter message... Jesus is risen! The resurrection of Jesus was the beginning of the work of the church and all who are part of it.
We are constantly being pulled in two directions. Back to past as we reflect on the work of God in sending His Son to die for us, and to the future as we contemplate what shall be when God restores creation to what He intended it to be. We are stuck in the middle, with the tension of discomfort with today's reality. The work of Easter continues in us. Let us seek to live it out day by day - demonstrating its truth to the people with we live and work and play.
Gary
April 7, 1991
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