Now,
Easter to me is the loveliest time of the year but I am reminded
that, before Easter bursts upon us there has to be a sacrifice
first. We are told in the scriptures that a seed remains a seed
if it is just left alone, but if it is planted into the ground
it dies first before bringing forth flowers and foliage of such
beauty that can only bring joy and delight to the eye of the beholder.
So,
it is that at this time of the year we come to the cross where
our Lord made the final sacrifice for us. He had to endure so
much pain and suffering, and then die that we might have life,
and that more abundantly. What a sacrifice! Yet out of it men
and women have been transformed beyond belief - they have accepted
that death on their behalf and gone on to become great influences
for good in the world in which we live today. In other words,
great beauty comes out of sacrifice. That is why in Romans 12
we are urged to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and
pleasing to God.
But
sacrifice is not an easy thing. I remember throughout our marriage,
it just seemed to happen that my husband and I found ourselves
helping people. We never knew how it came about but it continued
right to the end.
ometimes
I really thought I would lose my family. Young people do not always
understand these things and can resent others being in the home.
So you can understand and see that it was not easy.
Then
I read in Matthew 10 that those who try to gain their own life
will lose it; but those who lose their life for Jesus’ sake will
gain it. God has shown me time and time again that He is faithful
to this promise. Now we are one of the closest families alive,
but it was quite a sacrifice at the time.
So,
I rejoice at this Easter time. I enjoy the beautiful spring flowers,
the new born lambs, everything that speaks of new life, freshness
and abundance. A good time to see past the pain of sacrifice and
look forward to good things ahead.
ooking
back over the years, I remember with nostalgia that Easter once
meant spending time with my little friends and rolling our coloured
eggs down a hill in Scotland, as was the custom then.