Sunday, March 31, 2013

Easter Message 2013 - Bishop Alan Abernethy

http://www.baptisttwentyone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/empty_tomb.jpgIt isn’t just the snow but my thoughts this year as I journey towards Easter have been firmly rooted in the ‘word becoming flesh.’

The events of Holy Week have their origin in the desire of a lovesick God to bring restoration and wholeness to creation. 


The journey on Palm Sunday on a donkey into Jerusalem was another example of a God who turns so much of the religious expectations on their head.

This kingdom Jesus declared and lived was one of love and grace not judgment and punishment. The cross is an amazing declaration of unending grace and hope.

The resurrection was the confirmation of this message and yet again God turned the world upside down by the miracle of an empty tomb.

However, this does not take away the pain and confusion of the mess of much of our lives, rather it speaks of hope and new beginnings.

There are so many people who still have to cope with some the awful reality of human suffering and distress and the Easter message needs to be incarnated by those of us who claim to believe, to help people not just hear the bells of Easter ring but experience the reality of God’s presence and hope in the chaos.

My prayer is that we will be inspired by Easter to be people who make real the amazing declaration of God’s love and hope we discover in Jesus.

May you know God’s blessing this Easter.


+Alan