Easter In Retrospect

EASTER is when we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus from the grave, which occurred three days after his crucifixion, death and burial. By this, he conquered death and redeemed mankind from sin.

Before this glorious victory over death, the Lord went through terrible suffering and agony.

Mark 15 v 20 and 24 says:“And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him. 24: And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take,” ( NKJV).

You might be wondering why should Jesus undergo this kind of suffering and death? It is because of your sin and my sin. He came to reconcile the world to himself. Rom. 5v8 says: “But God commanded his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Since the fall of Adam in the garden of Eden, no man has been found worthy to redeem man, because we are all sinners, according to Rom 3v23; so, God decided to send His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to come and lay downhis life for the sins of the world. In obedience to that, Jesus suffered all sorts of humiliation to make sure that man, whom he created in his image and likeness, is recovered and reconciled to him.

However, from the time of creation, even till now, man has remained adamant to the instructions of God, and has continued in sin, not minding its consequences. The stubbornness and disobedience of man, made God to regret why he created him Gen. 6v5- 6 says: “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was evil continually. 6: And it repented the Lord that he had made man upon the earth and it grieved him to his heart.”

Do you see how God was lamenting because of the stubbornness of man in continuing in evil? This was the condition of man before our Lord Jesus came. Heb9v22 says: “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood, and without shedding of blood is no remission.” This is exactly what Jesus came to fulfill. Prior, to his coming, people were using the blood of animals to make atonement for their sin and that of others, but the blood of animals can only cover sin and not blot out, wash away or purge sin; for it is only the blood of Jesus that can wash away sin. This is because the blood is sinless.

So, the celebration we are doing today, calls for a sober reflection on the kind of life you are living. Many people are carried away by the false glories of this world and therefore, live their lives anyhow. Are you among such people? Allow this progamme to have impact in your life by looking inwards and repenting from your sins. What is your life without Jesus? Are you among those God is regretting He created because you have refused to obey His instructions? What if He decides to take away your life now, where will you spend your eternity? Let this programme titled: “God’s Covenant Of Peace And Blessing,” be an opportunity to reconcile with Him, enter into covenant with Him — covenant of holiness and righteousness — and the peace of God will reign in your heart and mind.

Ezek. 34v25- 26, says:" I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. 26: I

will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing.”

God has always kept his covenant, if you will keep your part of the covenant, God will not hesitate to bless you and all round peace will be your portion.

Those of you that were here yesterday saw the mighty move of God among us. Many of you were recipients of God’s miracle, signs and wonders, yet it was anappetizer. Today, you will experience the greater move of God. But let us not lose the sight of God’s desire for every one of us including you that are here, and what is that desire? 1Tim2v3- 4, 3, notes: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. 4: Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

The desire of God is that all men be saved, including you reading this message. I do not know your relationship with God, but one thing is certain, you are not the owner of your life; one day, He that owns your life will call you home. If he does, what will be your account to him? Mark 8v36- 37,36:“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37: Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Is there actually anything a man can give in exchange of his soul? Nothing!

Now is the acceptable time, tomorrow might be too late, Isa 55v6 says: “Seek the Lord while he may be found…. Heb. 9v27 says: “For it is appointed unto men once to die and after that judgment.” There is no repentance in the grave, amend your life now

before it is too late.

Let this season of Easter where we celebrate the resurrection of Christ from death mark a turning point in your life and make you to also resurrect from sin and iniquity. As Jesus had victory over death, may you have victory over sin and its consequences.

Note, God cannot establish covenant with sinners, so, make haste and be among those that God will find worthy to establish covenant with. God’s covenant child is the apple of God’s eye. He arises to fight his ( covenant child’s) battle and He makes sure that no evil befalls him. Don’t you want God to take over your battle, be enemy to your enemies and grant you covenant blessings? So, turn away from every evil and sin that easily beset you and surrender to Him now. He is ever ready to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Rev. 3v20 says: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

God is knocking at the door of your heart. Will you allow him in? if you allow him into your life, He will take charge of your life and build you up, prepare and equip you for His kingdom.

Moreover, this Easter will have a meaning in your life if you identify with the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ; for that is the essence of this season. Prov 3: 7- 8:“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8: It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.

Those that are wise in their eyes always make costly mistakes, adhere to the counsel of God and live. Allow God to direct your life and it shall be well with you in Jesus name…

For it is appointed unto men once to die and after that judgment.” There is no repentance in the grave, amend your life now before it is too late.