Today is Easter Sunday. Over two thousand years ago to the astonishment of Christ’s disciples He rose from the dead. Their faith in what He taught them came tumbling down as they saw Him hanging on the cross and taking His last breath. Shouldn’t they have expected He’d rise again? How many times did He tell them? He had raised Lazarus from the grave in their presence so they should have had some idea Christ could/would do the same. Or not?

His disciples are no different from ourselves and especially, Thomas. “I will have to see to believe.” We read that and blame Thomas for being so cynical. I don’t know about anyone else but I’m quite sure I would have been as doubting and fearful as the twelve who knew Christ intimately.

For all these years hence Christians are still doubting, still fearful or else very satisfied they have it all down. Sadly a lot of Christians keep their churches more like a country club with the right members than a hospital for wounded souls. I believe we are to sow seed, to water, to cultivate and nourish new Christians for Christian service.

To fail Christ at the height of His suffering is forgivable. Ask Peter. Christ understands the failures of humanity. Understanding is how He forgives all of us for our sins. The one requirement is to realize we have sinned and to genuinely ask for His forgiveness. For some, that is too much to ask. However, that is the one element that made the distinction between Judas and Peter. Both had sinned but Peter wept bitterly for denying Christ. Judas put Him in the hands of his enemies by leading them to where he knew Jesus would be. Peter asked forgiveness and Judas did not.

The scenery has changed over the years. Christians now have a vast selection to study the Bible and/or the life of Christ. The early Christians only had word of mouth. I don’t believe miracles have stopped as some do. I have witnessed too many first hand to ever doubt.

Today, Sunday April 24, 2011 is the anniversary of Christ rising from the grave. The sign that Christ gave us so we might know He has the keys of Heaven and Hell. That He has us safely in His care through life and death.

Four years ago today Rocky left us to go with Christ. It was a rainy night and around 9:30 in the evening. He went peacefully knowing Christ was around the bend in the road to receive him. Almost simultaneously as he took his last breath he opened an eye as if to have one last look at his loved ones.

And then he was gone………

Essentially Esther