EASTER SUNDAY Hebrews 11:6

Alfred Shropshire Hebrews 11:6

EASTER SUNDAY

But, without faith, it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Have you ever taken part in a scavenger hunt? Each participant is given the list of items to be located in a certain period of time. As each item is found, its location is listed or photographed to verify that it has been really found. A reward is given to the person who locates the most items on the list in the appointed time period. Some people are diligent in searching while others struggle in the search, quickly lose interest and don't put much effort into the search.

For some of us, finding God is our personal scavenger hunt. We have our instructions about finding him, but are reluctant to put much effort into doing so because we have not been stellar Christians all of our life. We seem to forget that our God is a God of mercy, not wrath and vengeance.

In truth, God has also been seeking us since the fall of Adam. God has been calling us back to himself. Persons in the Old Testament were saved by their faith in God. Through the new Adam, Jesus Christ, God has provided the Way for our reconciliation. It starts with the faith that Jesus Christ is Lord, that God has raised him from the dead, and that Christ is our means of salvation.

The way back to God is through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. We are saved by faith and the grace of God. "For the message about Christ's death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved, it is God's power." (I Corinthians 1: 18)

Prayer: God, we thank you this day for the one who is the resurrection and the life. Grant us hearts ready to serve, minds ready to understand, and eyes ready to see what you have in store for us. We bring all that we are to serve you. For we now know the Way. Amen.

JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN, INDEED!