THE VICTORY OF THE CROSS AND THE BENEFIT OF EASTER

17th to 21st APRIL 2022

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit” – 1 Peter 3:18

The mystery of Christ’s death on the cross and his resurrection, three days later is the central theme of Christianity, and for that purpose, the church celebrates Easter during this period of the Spring Equinox. Also, during this period, the church’s central message is the revelation of God’s presence in human suffering before the break of glorious dawn according to God’s plan. 

The last days of Jesus Christ, His suffering and crucifixion were the most harrowing period in the Apostles’ lives. The darkness upon the earth at crucifixion before the Lord’s resurrection was unprecedented in humanity’s history; It was the darkest and the longest night ever experienced by the Apostles. The darkness before the resurrection symbolizes the darkness of disease, ignorance and poverty in the world. On the third day, Christ arose victoriously from the dead; completely renewed with a crown of victory over all limitations of mortal and immortal existence, which include suffering and death. Same way, we shall overcome by faith, all manifestations of evil, trauma, suffering and death.

Before Jesus was born, the ancient people celebrated the death and the resurrection of the sun God during the period of the Spring Equinox. But that has nothing to do with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The reason the church celebrates Easter during the Spring Equinox is basically due to the manifestation of God’s creative power on earth during the period. During the Spring Equinox, the creative power of God is heightened in the heavens and on earth, bringing everything that is sick or dead, back to life! 

Therefore, the Eternal Word of God – Jesus Christ, who also is the creative spirit of God that created ALL things, IS AT WORK RIGHT NOW, rebuilding and holding the world together in peace and harmony, according to His divine purpose. The Eternal Word of God is risen and overflowing our hearts and spirit at this moment. 

Although God heals and bring back to life anytime He chooses, such miracles and divine grace take place in the life of individuals only. But at Easter, the blood of His grace is poured forth unto all humanity without limitation as to creed, culture, religion, language etc. Therefore, Easter is a universal release of God’s divine grace upon all creation, including humanity. 

The bible teaches that Jesus overcame the circles of life and fate by conquering death and suffering, not just for himself but also for the whole world. This is the greatest plan of God for humanity, especially for those who believe that they shall not die any more and that even if they die, they shall live again. Therefore, in Christ, there is no death anymore, only life eternal, Life in perpetuity! (1 Peter 3:18-20; John 11:25; Romans 10:5-10; Ephesians 4:7-10, John 19:30; Matthew 12:38-41).

The plan of God every Easter is to change lives and regenerate souls. 

He does this in a mystery. Therefore, on this occasion of the Spring Equinox, when nature comes alive again, the church also celebrates Easter. Why? Because this is the year when the heavens are open, and the Lord God of the universe pours forth unto the world, His Cup of abundant Grace, to resurrect all the dead aspects of nature, and rekindle and heal men’s hearts. During this occasion, therefore, we say Happy Easter to one another, especially to all men and women of faith who believe in the Cup of abundant Grace that is released upon the world by God through our Lord Jesus Christ. At Easter, we learned that the cross of fate has become the Cross of liberation and victory! And the Cup of Suffering has become the Cup of abundant grace and mercy. At Easter, we receive a renewed life that transcends suffering and death through the power of Christ’s Spirit. Glory be to God! 

Central to Easter is the mercy of God that comes to us by His Grace. This is, therefore, a period to show mercy and forgiveness in return for God’s mercy. By so doing, we cause the purpose and the plan of God to be fulfilled in our lives and the world at large. Also, Jesus taught His disciples that the night of his atrocious death must come for the dawn of joyous life to begin (Luke 9:22, 45-46). 

In the same vein, the word of God is reminding us today that the present world characterized by sin, misery, and the rule of the deceiver must end in the death of God’s Son so that the new world is characterized by holiness and the awesome presence of God. As there was a new creation on the third day when Jesus was raised, so we shall individually and collectively as humanity experience a newness of life this season. Also, as the world becomes gradually released from suffering caused by disease, ignorance and poverty, so will a new world emerge from this Easter to the glory of God!

In Luke 24, we see the newness of this new day and new creation upon Jesus’s resurrection revealed in; 

• A new life and a new man (Ref: Luke 24:33-53; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49:); 
• A new understanding (Ref: Luke 24:13-27); 
• A new power (Ref: Luke 24:49), and A new worship (Luke 24:52-53)

Beloved in Christ, remember that everything changes because of the empty tomb, which has now become for us the womb of nature that manifests all the creation of God. This, therefore, is the womb from which comes the new creation – a new world and a new you, ruled by the Christ Spirit

Therefore, this new life in Christ is a life of victory over the power of evil, disease, Ignorance, Poverty, suffering and death. Even if life becomes unbearable, the cup of His grace will give us rest and peace.   

Again, Beloved, I greet you; HAPPY EASTER, and wish you a great renewal of your Being, and A Greater Renewal Of our Planet – Earth. AMEN.

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, grant me a new life in Christ today. Renew the world according to your plan for humanity. Father transform every bad situation around the world today; strengthen the weak and heal the afflicted. Usher in your kingdom of justice, equity and righteousness. Father, grant that your mercy and love will flow freely from God’s heart to humanity, and from every man towards another. Thank you, Father, AMEN.

FURTH ER READING: 1 Peter 1:10-12: Romans 8:18-23; Hebrews 2:5-13