Let’s face it; life is messy at times. When I was a carefree child, my mother took me to Easter Sunday services. Following, was an Easter egg hunt, chocolate eggs in a pretty basket and a ham dinner. Then Easter was over for another year.
As I grew up, my life became tangled and difficult; when I finally ached enough, I sought a message of comfort. In the ensuing years, through struggle and fears, I have found hope to cling to during the press of life. There are certain Bible verses that help me celebrate Easter; a season which is pregnant with the possibilities of new life full of purpose, hope of the resurrection, and reuniting with loved ones. So, come, let’s take a peek at a few!
The promise of everlasting life
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25). What a Bible verse to celebrate Easter with! It was first given by Jesus to His closest Jewish friends whose brother Lazareth just died. It is a promise that those who believe in Him will live forever. How this has given me hope during times of loss of my loved ones!
Encouragement for the desperate
The next verse might not be considered by many, but for me, it has comforted, for it is so personal. “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.'” (John 20:16). In context, it was given to Mary Magdalena who was arguably the neediest of the disciples. Jesus appeared to her first after His resurrection to relieve her anxieties. It reminds me that He knows my desperate times, and will give me His reassuring comfort and presence during those times.
Peace for the fearful
“Peace be with you” (John 20:19), was a verse He proclaimed to His terrified disciples numerous times that first Easter. What a magnificent Bible verse to celebrate Easter with! I often need reminding of the peace the Easter message brings! Peace is a pearl of great price that God willingly gives. It is valuable because it cost Jesus His life to give it, and costly for us because it is during times of duress that we most need it.
Promises of God based upon His faithfulness
The angels proclaimed to the women at the tomb, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:5-6). They were both astonished and comforted! Not only was the tomb empty, they were reminded that Jesus said it would occur! The “just as he said”, reassures me that I can rely on God to be faithful to His promises.
Hope for the future
Finally, a favorite Bible verse to celebrate Easter is, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). What hope to cling to! No matter how difficult life becomes, someday, I will live forever, free from all pain, sorrow and fear!
