Life can be filled with mundane distractions, busyness, tough times and conflicts. We get worn down. The resurrection of Jesus announces to us that “what is”, is not “what will be”. There IS more to life than this.

Jesus is an enigma. God in the flesh is difficult to understand in and of itself. But more mysterious to us is that
God as man would die on a cross in order to declare us forgiven. How could something so horrible become the way of God’s salvation for everyone who calls upon the name of Jesus? His resurrection from the dead reveals the mystery of abundant life for all who believe in Him.

As an adolescent, I used to think it was arrogant of Christians to say that Jesus is the only way. I remember, I was once asked by one of my zealous high school friends whether I was “saved” and I flippantly responded, “I do not need to be saved!”

As I have gotten older, I realize that I was the arrogant one and that my friend was a true friend offering me a very precious gift. As I moved through college, I realized that not only is life hard, but that my life was a big mess of my own making. I needed direction on how to be a better person, but more importantly I needed forgiveness for my sins, I needed a Lord and a Savior. I needed the salvation that is only offered in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

Fortunately, in my case, the servants of God are strategically placed in our lives. They are always ready to give a reason for the hope they have in Jesus Christ. In my darkest moments, God again sent a good friend to share the good news of God in Jesus Christ, only this time I was humble enough to hear it.

The day I gave my life to Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I became a changed person. I memorized a verse from the Bible; 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” What Jesus gives everyone who believes in Him is a new start. That message is at the heart of Good Friday and Easter. With the death and resurrection of Jesus, the old is gone, the new is here!

As you read this I wonder if you need a new start? The promise is offered to you. Jesus desires to make you a new creation. As you hear that you may respond the way I once did, “I don’t need a new start. I don’t need to be saved!” I understand. I have been there too. Some day though you may change your mind and when you are ready, the offer of God’s good news will still be there.

But if you do want to receive the Gift of God, then call out to Jesus Christ. He promises that for whoever knocks, the door will be opened; whoever seeks, will find; whoever asks will be given. God is good and He knows how to give good gifts to His children who ask. The greatest gift is his own son, whom we celebrate this Easter season. Give your life to him!