The Easter Story Has A Sequel: And You’re In It


Sequel's are always a little "iffy." There's Toy Story 3, which was a great hit...but then again there's Home Alone 4 that nobody wants to remember. I’m hoping that when The Incredibles hits theaters this summer it will be as entertaining as the original, and although Pixar missed the mark with Cars 2, Cars 3 was excellent. You never really know with a sequel though. When something has been a big hit Hollywood loves to try to continue the series. Turns out the story isn't over after all.

God had the whole sequel thing down long before motion pictures. Resurrection was the big hit of the season, but resurrection wasn't the end of the story. It was just the beginning. After walking out of an empty tomb Jesus would commission his disciples to go and fish for people.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

We call it the great commission. It’s still his commission upon those who follow him today. Celebrating that Jesus is alive, as we did last Sunday and still do today, is fitting and good. However, God always had more in mind. Next the followers of Jesus were told to go and tell what they had seen and heard.

I love Easter. I love the craziness of the church parking lot, folding chairs everywhere, the children in their pastel outfits, the bonnets, the choirs, and the black jelly beans. I also know that Jesus didn't rise just so we could celebrate. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in us, and now we must go and proclaim who Jesus is to a lost and dying world. You may not have been in the original story, but you're in the sequel. 

Let's make it a good one!

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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