Keep the Party Going

Our prayer must not be self-centered. It must arise not only because we feel our own need as a burden we must lay upon God, but also because we are so bound up in love for our fellow men that we feel their need as acutely as our own. To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them. - John Calvin

Sadly, Easter – the one holiday that should unite the entire Christian world – remains a point of division. Catholics and Protestants celebrated last Sunday, following the Gregorian calendar, while the Orthodox and Coptic churches celebrate next Sunday adhering to the Julian calendar. Occasionally, the dates coincide (next in 2034), but usually, they are a week or two apart.

Maybe God has a bigger plan in mind. Maybe God can use our differences and divisions for His glory. Maybe celebrating Easter for an extended time reminds us to focus on Jesus’ sacrifice and victory a little while longer. Maybe the prolonged remembrance keeps the good news of Christ’s victory over death in the world’s consciousness a few more days!

When we celebrate Easter is of little importance compared to how we celebrate. Jesus anticipated that His followers would have differences of opinion and various points of contention, so one of his final reminders was, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

Whenever you celebrate Easter, celebrate it with love. Love for God, love for other believers – no matter when they celebrate Easter – and love for those who need to know the power of the cross.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc