You know, and I know, we know—Things are not going well for our country, our community, our families, and ourselves.
Our children, not educated—but indoctrinated. The rising cost of living—just getting by. The war machine cranking up—to be fueled by the blood of young Americans. COVID raising it’s ugly head—vaccines have fallen short. All the news—filled with stories of malice and murders, and more.
Where do we go? To whom do we turn? What will save us?!
And now, you’re probably thinking: “John, what about just telling us, ‘Happy Easter’, and forget about whatever else you are going to say?!”
How’s this for an Easter message: Tomorrow is going to be worse…our country is under assault. “In God We Trust” has been dumped on the side of the road by too many people.
Our national motto has been exchanged for personal mantras. It is now, “In politicians I trust”, “In the stock market I trust”, “In education I trust”, “In power I trust”, “In the vaccine I trust”, …And worst of all, “In me I trust.” And how is that working out for everyone?!
God came to this world in the form of man, in the person of Jesus Christ, to save ourselves from ourselves. He is “standing by” waiting to rescue us, one person at a time.
This is about turning our eyes to Jesus Christ…the one who suffered and died on the cross and rose again…The one who proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…Whoever trusts in me will never perish.” (John 11:25, John 14:6)
As Jesus clearly pleaded, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
The real Easter message is clear: We are to put our trust in the strong right arm of God…”He will never leave us nor forsake us.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5)
Instead of saying, “Happy Easter”—May I wish you and your family a “Blessed Easter”—Because, for each and every person who has put their faith and trust in Jesus, that person will be forever blessed.
“Let not your heart be troubled…In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself…” (John 14:1-7)
In my business, during those hectic times, I would always ask for the “Executive Summary”—Tell me all that I need to know, efficiently, and in as few words as possible. So here is the “Easter Executive Summary”: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Jesus encouraged us with his words, “Do not lose heart my friends…With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Finally, I have this verse, posted on a card that I read almost every morning, just to help get me oriented in the right direction: “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will also help you; I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
A Blessed Easter to All,
John Brunner
