IF YOU FEEL DEAD, DO THIS TO JUMPSTART YOUR LIFE.
‘But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. ‘ Mark 16:6
I know it’s Easter and I probably should write about something super specific about the cross and all that — but I’m not. That’s too simple and stereotypical and to be honest — not my thing.
Yes, it’s true — Jesus rose on the third day. Maybe that really speaks to you, which is awesome. I’m going to put something else your way to consider.
‘Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.’ I Corinthians 11:1
This is the thought and phrase that fascinates me. How are we imitating Jesus Christ? I hope most of us would be honest enough with ourselves to say — we could do better. Or, you may say — “why even try? How could anyone try and replicate Jesus?”
You may be reading this and thinking, “what the f’ is he on about now? How am I supposed to imitate Christ rising from the dead — you’re crazy.”
Yah look, Jesus rose from the dead — we get that. But, what about you? If we are to imitate Christ, then what in your life NEEDS to be resurrected? What in your life COULD BE resurrected? What was once dead that needs to be made alive?
‘“My old identity has been co-crucified with Messiah and no longer lives; for the nails of his cross crucified me with him . And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me — we live in union as one ! My new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves me so much that he gave himself for me, and dispenses his life into mine!’ Galatians 2:20
What if today was all about YOU rising up? What does that mean?
Maybe you need to rise up in your faith? Wake the f up and start believing.
Rise up in your mind. You are talented and gifted.
Rise up in your workplace. You are a leader.
Rise up in your home. You’re a great mom, dad, brother or sister.
Rise up in your talents. Do you write music — pick it up again. Do you write — begin again. Are you hiding your talents because you’re afraid?
Rise up in your courage. Maybe you’re scared — this verse is for you.
Rise up in your friendships. Be a loyal and good friend.
Rise up in your generosity. Stop living in fear and give freely.
Rise up in your energy. Stop wasting away on Netflix.
Rise up and trust. God is for you and He’s on your side — imitate Him.
Rise up against your addiction. Jesus can handle it, He gets you.
As much as today is about Jesus and the resurrection — I think it should be much more personal for you and I. Today is YOUR moment to shine. Resurrect those gifts and energy. I dare you to see what happens — I f’n DARE YOU!
What’s so fascinating and frustrating and great about life is that you’re constantly starting over, all the time, and I love that. — Billy Crystal
Let’s pray:
Jesus, help me to rise up. Help me to resurrect these things in my life. I can do better and will do better. Give me the strength to persevere — to go on. It sucks and it’s hard and I don’t feel like i fit in. Please help me to understand all of this. I really need to get this right.
