Pastor's Corner

13 Apr
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Mid-Week Challenge

According to the findings of a new poll performed by Convention of States Action and the Trafalgar Group, most Americans say the lessons of Easter and Passover are not only important spiritual observances, but also will influence the nation’s future.  The poll, conducted April 5-8 found that 72.6% of Americans “believe the moral lessons found in the holidays of Easter and Passover are important to ensuring a strong America for future generations.”  Of that group, 20% said the lessons are “somewhat important,” and 52.6% said they are “very important.” Majorities in three political categories signaled agreement with the importance of the “moral lessons,” the survey found: 56.9% of Democrats, 75.5% of independents and 85.6% of Republicans.  The survey found 27.4% of respondents said the lessons are “not very important” or “not important at all.”

https://www.thetrafalgargroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/COSA-EasterLessons-Full-Report-0410.pdf

I have read several reviews and comments on the findings of this poll. First off, I’m excited that people are talking about Easter and Passover.  The events of the Exodus in the Old Testament and the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the New Testament have been discussed for thousands of years and have shaped multiple generations and cultures! We should be talking about this at this time of the year!! But, secondly, what are “we” talking about? Yes, the culture is talking because everywhere we go businesses have spring items on sale, fast food restaurants have deals on fish sandwiches, and churches spruce up their property, but why?  What “moral lessons” are a majority of us agreeing on? “The Moral Lessons of Easter” jumped out at me from the headline and I have been thinking about it for a while.  I have trouble finding the moral lesson in blood on the door post and an empty tomb.  The lesson is not do better; the lesson is sin comes with a cost, and all of us are guilty of sin.  Paul said it clearest in Romans 3:23: - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  The author of Hebrews comes along and clarifies the reasoning for the blood of the Passover and the blood of the Cross - In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. (Hebrews 9:22)

I rejoice in the fact that most people are talking about Passover and Easter, and they have indeed shaped our culture.  But we cannot reduce the story to being a morally minded people.  The message is repent and redemption! We are sinful, lost and without hope on our own and God made the way of forgiveness through the finished work of Jesus Christ.  Don’t allow the well-meaning social network writers to rob God of His glory in this season.   

The Passover and Easter are both very much related, they both point to our deserving death.  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) In The Passover God provides atonement, but Easter is better as it provides redemption, which is final.  Enjoy the excitement of Easter, and invite others to church with you, but don’t forget what it is all about! 

Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this Priest (Jesus) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time, He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet, because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:11-14

Serving the Savior,

Bro. Jonathan

By: Dr. Jonathan Richerson

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