importance of the resurrection

As we enter the Easter season, when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it’s essential for us as pastors and Christian leaders to reflect on the profound significance of this event. While we prepare for various events and message content, we must not overlook the personal and powerful impact the resurrection should have on our lives and ministries. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this necessity in 1 Corinthians 15:17: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” This stark declaration reminds us that the resurrection is central to our faith and calling.

The Resurrection: A Foundation for Faith

The resurrection is not merely an event to be commemorated; it is the linchpin of our faith. It assures us that Jesus conquered death, providing a pathway for eternal life. As pastors, our preaching and teaching must reflect the significance of this truth. Paul underscores this in Romans 6:4, stating, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” This new life is a present reality that transforms our daily existence, even amidst the busyness of ministry.

Living in Communion with God

The resurrection calls us into a deeper communion with God, a relationship that the demands of our roles can easily overshadow. In Galatians 2:20, Paul writes, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” As we juggle preparations for Easter services, events, and outreach, we must carve out time to experience this union with Christ, allowing His resurrection power to flow through us. This closeness is essential for our spiritual vitality and effectiveness in ministry.

When we dwell on this relationship, it shapes our leadership. We begin to lead not from our own strength but from the resurrected life of Christ within us. This is echoed in 2 Corinthians 5:17, where Paul reminds us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Our identities as leaders are grounded in the reality of the resurrection, enabling us to shepherd our congregations with authenticity and grace.

The Resurrection and Our Ministry

The implications of the resurrection extend beyond our personal lives; they profoundly impact our ministry. The resurrection empowers us to preach the gospel with conviction. In Acts 4:33, we read, “With great power, the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” This same power is available to us as we proclaim the good news, reminding our congregations that the resurrection is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality.

Moreover, the resurrection instills hope in our pastoral care. When we encounter individuals in despair, we can point them to the hope found in Christ’s victory over death. As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:14, “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” This assurance of eternal life comforts and encourages those grappling with loss and grief.

A Call to Live in Resurrection Power

As we navigate the Easter season’s challenges, it is crucial to remember that we are called to live in the light of the resurrection daily. Paul exhorts the church in Philippians 3:10-11, saying, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings.” This pursuit of knowing Christ and experiencing the power of His resurrection should be central to our lives as pastors.

In the hustle of preparing for Easter services, we must not allow our responsibilities to overshadow the transformative power of the resurrection. We tap into this life-giving source through regular communion with God—through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. As we do so, we are better equipped to lead our congregations, embodying the hope and joy that the resurrection brings.

Practical Applications

To fully embrace the significance of the resurrection during this season, here are some practical applications we can engage in:

1.   Create Intentional Time for Reflection: Set aside specific times each day to meditate on the resurrection and its implications for your life and ministry. Use this time to pray and seek God’s guidance for the upcoming Easter services. You could also go on prayer walks, lapping your church as the weather improves. Have a daily time where you could sit and pray in the room where you gather as a church and at the same time as one of your Sunday services. 

2.   Incorporate Resurrection Themes in Teaching: As you prepare sermons and messages, emphasize the resurrection’s transformative power. Share personal testimonies of how the resurrection has impacted your life and those in your congregation.

3.   Practice Self-Care: Remind yourself and your team of the importance of physical and emotional health. Make time for rest and rejuvenation, ensuring you are spiritually and emotionally prepared to lead during this busy season. Take a half-day to visit a park large enough to have trails and find a bench to pause and read.

4.   Celebrate Together: As you plan a special Easter service that emphasizes the joy of the resurrection, cultivate an atmosphere acknowledging the importance of community and how the resurrection is a cornerstone of gathering together.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just an event we celebrate; it is the very foundation of our faith and ministry. As we prepare for Easter, let us embrace the truth of the resurrection, allowing it to shape our lives and influence our ministry. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

May we boldly proclaim the message of hope that the resurrection offers, reminding our congregations that we have victory over sin and death in Christ. As we immerse ourselves in this truth, let’s ensure that our ministry flourishes, rooted in the powerful and transformative reality of the resurrection—an experience that should profoundly impact our souls, especially during this special season.

Keep Lookin' UP,

Johnny Mac