Cheer up people! Easter means: whatever is wrong – will be right.
Pastor Greg Daulton
Heard a fantastic and moving message this wonderful Easter morning – as we celebrate the Lord’s resurrection. Our pastor said the above statement in his opening thoughts this morning. We continued to sing songs of praise and worship as his statement began to slowly sink in. What a simple thought – what a profoundly deep and moving thought. Nothing is so wrong – that won’t someday be fixed. No more tears. No more wondering. No more heartache. Jesus has won the battle – and we are victorious! That’s something to get excited about!!
His message this morning was full of joy and hope – as he told us that Easter was all about laughter! How often do we forget? Church can become about rules and duty – appearances and posture – and eventually we can lose sight of what really happened as a result of Jesus overcoming death. It meant that we don’t have to fear ANYTHING – even death. He has made it so there is peace surrounding this event for us – and there is deep joy and yes, laughter in the midst of trials and pain. We can not only laugh in the face of all of this – but we are free to laugh at ourselves.
I know something about laughter – having a very healthy sense of humor – as my family and many friends can testify to. But I also feel things like hurt and pain – rejection and betrayal most deeply and can cry quite easily because of a broken heart. I believe both of these are healthy expressions of the emotions that God gives each of us. To experience and drink in all of life to the fullest. To be unafraid of being me. Jesus gave me permission to be me. He has won the battle once and for all over death. He brings a safety blanket for me – as I trust and walk with him. Others may walk away from us – but He never will. He whispers to me – “one day there will be no more tears – all will be well.” We are free. Free to laugh – free to relax in this amazing grace of His.
What I find interesting is this: When Jesus rose – he told the women at the tomb – “Go tell my disciples and Peter”. Why Peter? Because Peter was the one who failed. Interesting. I could very well insert my name there – and you could your name. He called him by name – the one who failed him. There is nothing that you can do that is so bad – that He will not seek after you – and make it right. I’m sure the disciples weren’t crying anymore when they heard the news! And I’m sure Peter was laughing the hardest – knowing all was well.
Below is a video of the late Keith Green – one of my favorite Christian artists. He is performing “The Victor” live in 1978. His amazing passion and talent leave me breathless. Take a listen – you will be inspired today – as you begin to let what Christ did for you on that Easter Sunday some 2000 years ago – bring back some of the lost laughter. Let Him begin a new deep work of joy and laughter in your life today – with no fear – no worries – as you discover, some day, all will be well.
Swallowed into earth’s dark womb
And death has triumphed
That’s what they say
But tried to hold him in the tomb
The son of life
Rose on the third day
Just look
The gates of hell
They’re falling
Crumbling from the inside out
He’s bursting through
The walls with laughter (hah!)
Listen to the angels shout
It is finished
He has done it
Life conquered death
Jesus Christ
Has won it
His plan of battle
You know it
He fooled them all
They led him off to prison to die
But as he entered hades hall
He broke those hellish chains with a cry
Just listen to those demons screaming
See him bruise the serpent’s head
The prisoners of hell
He’s redeeming (oh!)
All the power of death is dead
It is finished
He has done it
Life conquered death
Jesus Christ
Has won it
Just look
The gates of hell they’re falling
Crumbling from the inside out
He’s bursting through the walls with laughter (hah!)
Listen to the angels shout
(listen, oh, listen)
It is finished
He has done it
Life conquered death
Jesus Christ
Has won it
It is finished
He has done it
Life conquered death
Jesus Christ
Has won it
