“So what are you doing for Easter?” That’s the question the teller at the bank’s drive-up window asked me. I’ve noticed their asking more personal questions. I think it’s part of their, We’re your friendly neighborhood bank campaign. It’s annoying.
“Well, I’ll start the day with church,” I answered. “Then we have family coming over for dinner. What about you? What will you be doing for Easter?”
She sighed. “I won’t be going to church. I’m stuck with the cooking.” Maybe she was feeling guilty, with me mentioning church, but she reached into her dress collar and pulled out a gold chain with a cross hanging from it. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m a Christian. See? She held the cross up. It’s just with my family, I have to cook.”
“Why don’t you bring them all to church?”
She snickered.
“Tell them you want to go to a restaurant instead.”
She laughed. “You don’t know my family.”
It was no good. She wasn’t going it change her mind. On Easter, Resurrection Sunday, she would spend the morning in the kitchen, cooking. I don’t want it be judgmental. People are busy. I know. I know there’s a whole lot who think church is irrelevant, but I have to wonder.
We used to make light of the “C AND E” Christians; those individuals who came to church on Christmas and Easter only. They felt that attending these two Sundays somehow fulfilled an obligation to their god. Now, many can’t even make it to church on those two Sundays.
Before I go on, let me voice my fear. Christians who read my blog are going to shout, “You tell them, Jeremiah. Give it to those ungodly heathen.” But that’s not my intent. Honest. I don’t mean to point an accusing finger, nor should any Christian. Many of the “saints” who sit in the pews every week are far from saintly.
For those who call themselves Christian, and yet for one reason or another won’t be attending worship this Sunday (Saturday if you’d like), let me share my point.
1 Corinthians 15. 3-4 “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
Cooking can wait. Sleeping can wait. If you haven’t stepped foot in the church for years, because you have a problem with the pastor or one of the members, put it aside.
JESUS ROSE FROM THE GRAVE! HE DIED FOR YOU. HE ROSE TO SAY, “IT’S ALL TRUE. BELIEVE IN ME.” This is such mind-numbing, life-changing news, the world should grind to a halt on Sunday. In wonder and amazement we should flock to God’s church to say, “Thank you, Lord.”
Don’t just wear your faith like a gold cross around your neck. If you really believe that Jesus died for your sins, that the grave could not hold him, go celebrate!
So what are you doing for Easter?