On Sunday, March 27th those within the Christian community will be celebrating Easter. Because the word ‘Easter’ has been replaced with the term ‘Resurrection Sunday’ many people will be shopping for new outfits and planning family dinners for this day of celebration and exuberance. Every year, you have people running around in stores spending money for a day that only happens once a year. That’s right; Easter or Resurrection Sunday happens once a year which reminds people of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ.
Just about every pastor is prepared for large turnouts. This is the time when many churches will be packed with people who are regular churchgoers to people who rarely set foot in church except for Christmas, Mother’s Day, or Easter. Without a doubt, Resurrection Sunday is big in the Christian Church.
Because Easter is the celebration of Jesus, the Christ, you have many people participating in activities such as Easter Egg Hunts. During my research as to why people incorporate Easter eggs into this ‘holy’ day, I found the following: “The egg, an ancient symbol of new life, has been associated with pagan festivals celebrating spring. From a Christian perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus’ emergence from the tomb and resurrection.” I don’t know about you, but it seems as though the days Christians represent had their original beginning from a pagan holiday.
Every Easter, it’s no different. More emphasis on Easter eggs than the life of Jesus, the Christ. Please notice I said the life. While the emphasis is on His resurrection, very little attention is devoted to His teachings and the life He lived. Sadly and shamefully, all that’s talked about is that He died on Friday, stayed in the tomb all night Friday, all day Saturday, and got up early Sunday morning with all power in His hands. How many Sunday’s do we need to hear this? How many times will pastors and/or preachers keep saying this and neglect fundamental teachings? Think about it for a moment. Too many people profess the title of Christianity (which is man-made) and fail to follow the teachings of the One who they revere.
Here’s the challenge for every Pastor, Minister, and Evangelist to accept on Easter (March 27th)
- Preach a message that will cause people to think and become transformed
- Speak on the power of the Resurrection and the One who enabled the Resurrection
- Discuss why Jesus, the Christ was sentenced and crucified (lynched) on a tree and how injustice 2000 years ago is in many ways still alive and well today
- Show how a movement led by a Man of Color (Jesus, the Christ) is similar to the hell brothers face today.
Resurrection Day is filled with shouting in many churches but exhibit very little power afterwards. Let me say it this way. The same power that’s talked about, preached, and shouted on Resurrection Sunday is the same power people are able to possess.
Here’s one last challenge for all those who will be preaching on Sunday. Don’t get caught up on the crowd or emotional hype. Use this opportunity to speak a Word that will change lives and create a change in communities. Provide substance.
Dr. Sinclair Grey III is a speaker, writer, author, life coach, and business trainer. Contact him at www.sinclairgrey.org, drgrey@sinclairgrey.org or on Twitter @drsinclairgrey
