Easter and Beyond

The benefits [of the resurrection] are innumerable. To list a few: Our illnesses don't seem nearly so final; Our fears fade and lose their grip; Our grief over those who have gone on is diminished; Our desires to press on in spite of the obstacles is rejuvenated... Our identity as Christians is strengthened as we stand in the lengthening shadows of saints down through the centuries, who have always answered back in antiphonal voice: 'He is risen, indeed!'"  - Charles Swindoll

The victory of Easter was secure. Jesus had triumphed over sin and death. The grave had failed to retain its prey.

But Peter fretted, still haunted by his betrayal and failure. Unaccustomed to waiting, as he had been instructed, he announced, “I’m going fishing.” And several other disciples followed suit. They fished all night and caught nothing. Then Jesus showed up. And, as he had three years earlier, He directed Peter and his crew to a massive catch of fish – 153 to be exact (John 21:11).

But Jesus had not endured the pain of the cross to allow guilt, past failures, and impatience to diminish His victory’s impact in Peter’s life. In the pointed, painful, and powerful conversation that followed, Jesus restored His relationship with Peter, and challenged him to significant leadership responsibility within the infant church. Jesus concluded their talk and called Peter to the heart of the matter: “Then he (Jesus) said to him (Peter), "Follow me!’” (John 21:19)

Don’t allow a painful past or an impatient present, to diminish the power of Easter. Don’t return to the familiar and comfortable distractions that will rob you of the opportunity to follow Jesus and apply the victory of Easter in the days ahead.