Do You Enjoy The Celebration?
Beloved in Christ, greetings in the precious Name, the Name above all names, Jesus Christ. We are in the Holy season, aren't we? I don't know about some of you, but are you enjoying the season? Or should I say, "Are you celebrating?" For I really don't know how to picture a situation where one does celebrate without enjoying the celebration. Are you with me? I just can't figure that out. Could you?
If you are indeed celebrating the season, you probably are enjoying it. That is God's will for you. Yeah, to be in a festive mood. This was a message Mary didn't understand fully. On the day of the resurrection, she was overcome with grief, and was crying. But heaven stopped her from doing so. The angels and Jesus Himself stopped her from crying and provoked a festive mood in her spirit (John 20:10-15). They left her so overjoyed. Oh yeah! That's how it should be.
In the evening on the same day, Jesus appeared to His apostles bringing with Him no stress, no grief or frustration but Peace. His manner of appearing provoked great celebration among the apostles (John 20:19-20). Are you celebrating? Do you enjoy doing so?
Maybe, religion or tradition might have taught you to carry on the weight of sorrow during this season. But the Bible tells us that Jesus took away all the sorrows that would have been ours (Isaiah 53). And if He did, why do you behave as if He didn't?
Oh no! Jesus wasn't the guy who was the object of pity because the Father disappointed Him. He didn't die in frustration. Not at all, sorry. Some guys thought so when He died (Luke 23:35-36; Matt. 27:41-44). But the truth is that Jesus was in perfect control of all He went through. He experienced no frustration nor disappointments. Neither was there any surprise to what He faced.
During His days on the earth, He constantly declared to His apostles about His death and resurrection. On the resurrection day, the angels told His disciples that the resurrection was in accordance to what Jesus had told them earlier (Luke 24:6; Mk. 16:7; Matt. 28:6). It was no surprise nor was it a frustration to Jesus. Jesus had perfect control of the whole situations.
The Bible comments that Jesus canceled the written code, with all its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 1v14-15). That doesn't sound to me like He was frustrated. He seemed to have it all under His control.
During Easter, Jesus was busy canceling what was against us. He was busy changing the rules and regulations that were against us. That to me is control, power and authority. It doesn't look like He was disappointed. Does it? He made an undeniable public show, alluding to the fact that He was in absolute control of all that unfolded during the Easter season. And that was God's perfect will. Jesus enjoyed doing God's will. He was happy to fulfill His Father's will (Luke 22:42; John 6:38). Doing so was His food (John 4:34).
As the Word says that Jesus made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross, it, therefore, stands to reason that the cross wasn't an object of pity or sorrow but of victory and triumph. That is what it should always symbolize. No-one can make a public spectacle of his enemy if he has no control over his enemy's munitions. In fact, any such attempt would only aggravate things on the side of the one who does.
However, Jesus did so to Satan and his hosts publicly. It wasn't hidden. It wasn't a secret but a public affair done openly. I would hate to celebrate the resurrection in a cave. What about you too? Jesus rejoiced so publicly. The angels rejoiced publicly. The resurrection was an issue to go tell others about what has happened (Mark 16:7; Matt. 28:7, 10; John 20:17). It was an issue to stop being afraid (Matt. 28:5, 10). It was an issue that brought peace (Luke 24:36; John 20:19, 21, 26). It was an issue that brought joy (Luke 24:41, 52; John 20:20; Matt. 28:8). It was an issue to stop crying (John 20:13, v15 ). It was an issue to stop doubting (Luke 24:38: John 20:27; Mk. 16:14). Furthermore, it was an issue to start believing and celebrating (Luke 24:11, 25, 30; John 20:29).
Easter calls for rejoicing in the Lord for what He did for us. Rejoice because you are set free. Rejoice because the promises of God are yours in Christ. Rejoice because your past is canceled and over. Rejoice because you have been given a new beginning ( 2 Corinthians 5:17). Rejoice because you are an heir of God. Rejoice because you are a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17; Gal 4:7). Rejoice because you have eternal life and shall know death no more (1 John 5:13). There is so much to rejoice about; so much to be glad for during the Easter period. And enjoy rejoicing. Enjoy the celebration.
May the Lord almighty inspire you, via His Spirit within you, to understand the reason for the Season. So that you may truly acknowledge the death and burial of the sinful nature, to effectively live daily for the cause of Christ, made possible through His resurrected body, to the glory of God the Father. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Happy Easter!
Rev. Dr. P. C. Akubueze
