Dear Church of the Open Bible,
There’s something special about the next seven days. We get to celebrate the essentials of the gospel (1 Cor 15:3-5)! Of course, there is a sense that we celebrate these realities each week and even each day of our lives. But there’s something special about taking time in our yearly calendar and bringing them to the forefront. The question for each of us then is whether there is something actually special about the next seven days?
As we enter these days, let me encourage you to make them special in a couple of ways. Firstly, lead by example. If you are not excited, neither will your children or family. Get your excitement from the incredible truths of God’s Word, and lead by example.
“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
Secondly, teach through tradition. Of course, we know the caution that traditions can become empty and meaningless. But if done well and with intentionality, repeated activities over time can teach and excite us about biblical truth. If you don’t have any Easter traditions as an individual or family, beyond church and a meal, this would be a great year to create one. One example might be taking a walk or hike to notice the new life around us this spring season and how that can remind us of the new life we have in Christ.
As we celebrate God’s grace to us through His Son in these coming days, may our hearts reflect and respond to the precious love He has shown us.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ… Ephesians 2:4-5