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We Are the Easter People
Pope John II once said, “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” What a powerful reminder of the Easter message. For the believer, Easter reminders us of our reconciliation with God. For the unbeliever, it reaches out as a lifeline—a light in the darkness; hope for the hopeless.
And yet, this lighthouse of hope inside every believer can be hindered from reaching its fullest potential to shine. Jesus said, “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house” (Matthew 5:15, NLT).
Although nothing can extinguish the light within us, many things can put it “under a basket,” such as living in fear or hopelessness and focusing on the carnal.
On the other hand, it’s not difficult to allow that light to shine. Look for ways to show love—focus on being the best wife, mother, friend, and neighbor you can be. To love can be as simple as taking a bowl of soup to a sick friend or making yourself available to help a single mom in your neighborhood.
Can you help someone pay a bill? Can you offer to babysit? Can you help a wife understand her husband? And when each person asks about the hope that is in you, give her the message of Christ. Let it always be on your lips, ready to share.
Having a “hallelujah song” is not to say that Christians will never suffer. Actually, the light shines brightest in the darkness. When Christians suffer, we have the honor of showing the world how to weather the storm. In the midst of great sorrow, the hope of Christ is sometimes the only thing strong enough to withstand.
Pope John Paul II was right—we have no reason to fear abandonment, poverty, or death—we are the Easter people, who believe in life after death and all that comes with it. God has promised companionship, riches beyond our imagination, and the end of death, and that is something to sing “hallelujah” about!
Discuss: What can you do to live like the “Easter people” that always have “hallelujah” on their lips?
About this Plan
Prepare yourself for the Easter celebration by participating in this week-long study for women. The many stories of women in the Bible who were involved in the death and resurrection of Jesus will encourage and inspire you, bringing you to a closer relationship with Christ on this holiest week of the year.
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We would like to thank Sabrina McDonald and FamilyLife for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://www.familylife.com/youversion
