Let Easter be your rebirth into the family of God

I took advantage of the cool still morning while the dogs were outside to take a peek at my garden. I knew it was too early to see anything but I could imagine what it would look like in a few weeks. I thought my eyes were deceiving me so I bent down further and exclaimed, “Well, would you look at that!” I was dumbfounded to see a solitary hyacinth bloom in its full glory. It was beautiful!

As I gazed at this miracle of nature I suddenly noticed my two dogs on each side of me. They were sniffing and stretching their necks to discover the source of my excitement. After a moment or two they gave me a look of puzzlement and walked away. I was left alone to enjoy this first glimpse of Spring.

Later, I started to ponder my latest discovery and my dogs’ indifference and how it related to everyday life. We are so close to the celebration of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus but so many people are indifferent to the greatest miracle of all time. Instead they are seeking pleasures of life in a world that is still in winter.

It isn’t too early to start preparing our hearts for Easter. I went to an Easter musical on Sunday night and was blessed by what I witnessed. As the choir sang about Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem, people in the crowd suddenly raised palm branches into the air. Some people hesitantly raised their branches while others enthusiastically waved them in the air. The scene gave me goose bumps and made my heart soar. Many of our area churches will present special events leading up to Easter. I encourage all to attend these events and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.

The events of that first Easter are as relevant now as they were on that morning when the women went to the tomb. The women didn’t know what to expect when they arrived, they didn’t even know how they would get past the huge stone over the tomb. They only knew they had to get to the tomb.

When the angel showed the women where Jesus once laid he told them, “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see where the Lord lay”. (Matthew 28:6) The women immediately ran back to tell the disciples what they witnessed. The scriptures tell what happened next, “And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word”. (Matthew 28:8) “ Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass”. (Luke 24:12)

In these few days leading up to Easter take time from your busy schedule to prepare for this blessed event. Read the Bible and the accounts from that triumphant entry into Jerusalem, through the pain, agony, and despair of the crucifixion as you realize the price Jesus paid for you. You may think our world is full of sadness and you would be right, because there is no joy and hope without Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

Finally, experience that exciting full joy that only comes when you know Jesus as your savior. If you don’t know Jesus in that personal way, ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and come into your heart. Let this Easter be your new rebirth as you bloom into the family of God.

Debra Whittington is a longtime resident of Tucumcari. Contact her at:

dawhittington@

msn.com