0 Easter good news #5

This post has nothing to do with New Zealand politics. The good news to which we refer is the celebration today of the resurrection of Jesus.  Here's how the story played out:

After the Sabbath, as the first light of the new week dawned, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to keep vigil at the tomb. Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God’s angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn’t move. The angel spoke to the women: “There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed.
“Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’ That’s the message.”
The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. “Good morning!” he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. Jesus said, “You’re holding on to me for dear life! Don’t be frightened like that. Go tell my brothers that they are to go to Galilee, and that I’ll meet them there.”

Matthew 28: 1-10 (The Message)

At church services throughout the world over the next 24 hours, ministers and pastors will declare to their congregations "He is risen". The reply from the congregations will be "He is risen indeed".

The story of Easter is one of a miracle; the miracle of God's grace to his people, and of his amazing love. That's the best news of all this Easter weekend.

0 A Good Friday reflection...

For Christians, Easter is a time of particular significance as we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus - the very essence of our faith. For us, this Easter is particularly significant; it's fifteen years this Easter since we began a journey to become a follower of Jesus. It's a journey on which we will continue until our days on God's earth are done.

Music has always played a special part in our life, but when we became followers of Jesus, a whole new world of music opened up - contemporary Christian music, with all genres from soft folk to hard rock and hip-hop covered. We are blessed to be able to combine our love of music with our faith journey.

One of our favourite bands is the Grammy Award-winning rock band Third Day - southern rock, influenced by bands such as Lynard Skynard. And this is one of our favourite songs, and especially pertinent today. It's called "Thief" and tells the story of one of the thieves crucified alongside Jesus - the one who recognised Jesus' divinity as death approached, and to whom Jesus, almost dead himself uttered those amazing words

I tell you the truth. Today, you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)

Jesus makes that same promise today for those who choose to follow Him; the gift of eternal life, freely given, but at an unimaginable cost. All you need to do is ask.

However you celebrate or observe this season. may you have a blessed Easter.

Footnote: This will be our sole contribution to the blogosphere today. A little reflective silence will do us no harm whatsoever. See you all tomorrow.