FIVE REASONS TO CELEBRATE!
Easter is coming! Are you ready to celebrate?!
If not, if the world has got you down, let me remind you that we have a lot to celebrate.
In the Biblical account of Jesus Christ’s resurrection in Matthew 28:1-11, we find not one, not two, not three, not even four, but five reasons to celebrate!
Reason #1: A New Forgiveness!
The first reason is a new forgiveness that only comes through Jesus Christ. Listen, God forgave all your sins.
· That poor decision you made long ago, it’s forgiven.
· That act in which you hurt someone, its forgiven.
· Those thoughts you are having that you know are not good, it’s forgiven.
· That lie you said, it’s forgiven.
· That addiction that is taking you down a bad road, it’s forgiven.
And how do I know this? Because Jesus died for those sins. The angel said to the women who discovered the empty tomb in Matthew 28:5, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.’”
His resurrection is gigantic for us. It says in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He gave his life so we can be forgiven of our sins.
Now that is a good reason to celebrate!
Reason #2: A New Life!
The second reason to celebrate is our new life with Christ. The angel of the Lord said to the women in Matthew 28:6, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
Jesus rose again on the third day to show everyone his power over death and to give us a new life through Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
That’s an excellent reason to celebrate!
Reason #3: A New Perspective!
The third reason to celebrate is our new perspective in Christ. The angel told the women to tell the disciples Jesus had risen from the dead. So, they began to run, and then this happened in Matthew 28:9, “Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.”
Later, Thomas, one of the disciples, doubted that Christ had risen until Jesus stood in front of him and told Thomas to touch his wounds. Thomas, just like the women, dropped to his knees and said, “My Lord and My God.” They all received a new perspective, one of salvation!
That is something to celebrate!
Reason #4: A New Strength!
The fourth reason to celebrate is your new strength because of Christ. Jesus said these words Matthew 28:10, “Do not be afraid.”
We have Christ on our side. We don’t have to fear! Paul, the great missionary, understood this truth when he wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
So, remember:
· if you are struggling with your business, remember you can do all things through Christ; he will give you the strength to move forward.
· If you are struggling with health issues, remember you can do everything through Christ; he will give you the strength for each day.
· If your marriage is struggling, remember you can do all things through Christ; he will give you the strength, love, and wisdom to heal and to love once again.
Those are things to celebrate!
#5: A New Attitude!
The fifth reason to celebrate each day is a new attitude developed by Christ. The women were frightened when they saw Christ, but he gave them a new attitude. He said to them in Matthew 28:10b, “Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Christ gave them a new attitude that was once fearful and now was full of hope, courage, joy, and boldness. They had an instant attitude adjustment!
In Philippians 2:5, Paul challenges us with these words: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” It’s an attitude of submission, selflessness, service, self-effacing, sacrifice, and supplication (Philippians 2:6-11). This kind of Christ-like attitude will make us more loving, more at peace, more optimistic, and hopeful!
That is something to celebrate!
So, take a step on the wild side. Celebrate the risen King, Jesus Christ, every day! God is encouraging us to party, to get excited, and to celebrate His work in your life! So, go celebrate!
David Towner is the Pastor of The Harbor Church in Odessa, Fl and author of the book Today Is My Favorite Day. He is Tonya’s husband, father to three girls, and grandfather to four grandsons.
