by KIM ANTHONY

Easter is just around the corner and many of us are thinking… long weekend! It’s the only time of year you get a four day weekend on your boss. You can thank God for that… literally!

Even if you’re not particularly religious, you have to admit Easter is an exceptional time – especially Good Friday. It’s truly one of the few times when almost everything closes down – even the casinos! I think it’s great. I know we live in a largely secular society but it’s good to see Aussies honouring our roots. Much of the stability we have in this lucky country, and in the western world for that matter, comes from a Judeo-Christian worldview. 

But you know what Good Friday is about right? Jesus dying. Easter Sunday is when we celebrate His resurrection. But Good Friday is really about His death. Now, I’m a pretty happy guy. I don’t really think about morbid stuff and I generally try to avoid the subject of death.  After all, I’m in my thirties with a young family and that’s the last thing I want to concentrate on. But every now and again it’s thrust into my sphere. When I visit someone in the hospital or when sorting out my life insurance. In the event of death, how much do I get? Humm… not sure I want to think about this for too long. 

I think we spend a good deal of time trying to forget about this part of life. But every now and again it’s good to consider our mortality. It makes us ask the big questions. In fact, Jesus puts it in front of His followers a bit more than most would like. It’s what communion is about – remembering that Jesus died on our behalf. 

Considering all we have done as the human race, we have not conquered death… or taxes.  It doesn’t matter how much money you have or your political connections, you can’t beat death. But here’s the thing… Jesus did. This is the central belief in Christianity. If this is not true then it’s all a scam. It would be no more than a good philosophy which the free world is built on. But if it’s true! If Jesus did defeat death, then He’s worth listening to. 

So my attitude goes something like this. Do I understand everything? No. Does life make sense all the time? No. But I’m going with the guy who defeated death and told me how to live. No one has done that. No one, as far as I know, has claimed to. 

We all build our life on something. Some bet there is no God. Some say I’ll live a good life and that’ll be enough. Others see despair and decide not to care – it’s too painful. I build my life on the person and teachings of Jesus. 

This Easter, every church in our nation will be celebrating the person of Jesus. This is a great time to consider His perspective on the bigger subjects. On behalf of your local church, I’d like to invite you to a service this Easter. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28