MULTITRACKS
EASTER , FOR REAL . | Jesse Schaefer
As we approach the holiday seasons , we ’ re met with a flurry of activity and excitement . However , these seasons can also bring difficult areas in our lives to the surface . It can be family relationships , it can be money , and it can even remind us of the weight of spiritual questions we may have unanswered . With Easter just around the corner , we face two challenges : how do we plan our services and communicate the gospel effectively and genuinely ? And how do we present that gospel to a congregation full of people who are experiencing a whole other world of distractions and points to focus on in their individual lives ?
The truth is , effectively communicating the gospel during these times will take significant effort . It will require constant reminders of why we do what we do and the hope we have . It will also require the support and effort of those laboring alongside us in our churches . As worship leaders , we have a unique opportunity to carry the mantle of our calling and carry it well . This is the time and place , right now , with the opportunity ready to be seized right in front of us .
Many of us may be inclined to avoid these negatives and focus solely on the positive aspects of the gospel . However , ignoring the shared human experience that we all go through would be to deny the true power of how the gospel interacts with our lives . In fact , these hard times give us a chance for greater hope and celebration in Jesus ! As we read in Luke 7 , when Jesus forgives a woman , “ Impressive , isn ’ t it ? She was forgiven many , many sins , and so she is very , very grateful . If the forgiveness is minimal , the gratitude is minimal .” The inverse of that statement is that if the forgiveness , the solution , the good news , is massive , so will the gratitude be !
This Easter is a chance to really emphasize the width and depth of God ’ s love and how it can change lives . We must recognize that the challenges we face during this time of year will require extra effort , support , and energy . The old adage that “ you can ’ t pour from an empty cup ” holds true . And just as in Luke 7 , we will be the recipients of increased gratitude for our calling , our relationships , and the message we get to share . To paraphrase Theodore Roosevelt , “ Nothing worth doing is ever easy .” However , we can do it . We can work together to make this Easter season one of hope and celebration .