Easter Sunday 2007 - God’s unconditional love
Ps Dean Sweetman
I always think about churches all over the world having Easter. God’s people are gathering on every continent and that is an exciting thing to contemplate. We have huge fellowship and connection with one another. One of the sad things is when people don’t realize who God is on a day like today. So many people have misjudged God. It’s very easy to understand who God is because He decided to reveal Himself and show us who He was…so, He left heaven and came to earth in the form of Jesus. Jesus was all God and all man at the same time. Want to know God? Look at Jesus. Sometimes people’s eyes are on the followers of Jesus instead of Jesus himself.
When Jesus was on earth, He interjected in people’s worlds and helped them right where they were…that is what God is like. Jesus didn’t come and tell you what you were doing wrong and what you could do different…He would have a meal with you when He came to your house…He wanted to get to know you and find out what you were like. People have a hard time conceiving God would want to be that close to you. He is all powerful and knowledgeable and people have a hard time grasping that. People can’t imagine that God would want to be their friend.
John 20 - Mary Magdalene was the first person to see Jesus resurrected. She did things she was ashamed of but through various circumstances, she met Jesus and she became friends with Him. Mary represents each one of us. Mary went and found there was an opening in the tomb. (John 20:2-16) As soon as He called her name, she answered “Rabbi.” As soon as God calls our name, your eyes will be open. As soon as you realize He sees you, you understand how much He wants to get to know you. Her first response was to cling to Him.
We ask ourselves, “God, how could you love us so much and leave heaven? Jesus, how could you do that?” We are not just followers of God anymore - we are friends. God with us, God with me, God for me, God helping me, God challenging me, God loving me – THAT is Easter.
This picture of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is about a woman who has been free…from sickness, torment and inferiority…she clings to Jesus.
Easter Sunday and every day is about freedom and a new covenant. It’s about becoming friends with Him and having God’s love hold us.
God is not a long way off. He sent His son to buy us back. And He never thought of NOT doing it…THAT is Easter Sunday.
