Apr 01, 2016 Words of Grace – The Day After Easter
The day after Easter is when many people rest. Holidays can be full of activity. It’s also the day when many people ask, “What’s next?” We tend to live in anticipation of the next big event on the calendar.
In the Christian life, the day after Easter is a reminder that Christ has given us new life so we can live. Christ died and rose again to make something new of our lives. As Christ was raised from the dead so we too walk in newness of life.
One of the ways the Bible expresses this reality is by using the word “therefore” to transition from the experience of God’s grace to our daily expression of faith. We spent four weeks in Philippians 2 considering the humility and service of Jesus for us on the cross, and the exaltation of Jesus as Lord through his resurrection from the dead. This is a great gift of God to us. We call it grace. Then in Philippians 2:12, “therefore” transitions us to the impact of Christ’s death and resurrection on us. As new people in Christ, we are now to live in a new way. Christ is making something new of our lives.
What is this new life? What is Christ making of our lives? Christ is making us like himself. Christ is calling us to a new life of service.
Jesus said to the disciples after the foot washing in John 13, “If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” Jesus said to the disciple Peter after the resurrection, “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17) Washing a person’s feet and feeding people who need spiritual food are acts of service. The day after Easter is a good day to serve.
This Sunday at Grace, we will continue on with Philippians 2 to consider that Christ is making us new people and that our new life is one of service.
Read Philippians 2:17-30 this weekend. Think about the new life of service you are called to by Jesus.
– Scott