Belated Happy Easter! The Day of Second Chances

I was in Florida for a wedding, my niece, and between the travel, photography, and other issues I have had no time to post.

However belated, I want to say, “He is Risen, he is risen indeed!” There are many images of Easter that have endured through the centuries and new expressions that each generation makes its own. There are also individual images of Easter, that can be highly personal, though they may appeal to broad audience.

My personal image of Easter is of second chances.

We are all sinners, unable to save ourselves. Jesus came to give us a second chance. While Thursday night was the decision, Friday the sacrifice, Sunday was the proof that it all was real. As Paul says,

For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:16-19

While all the rest is important beyond imagination, the Resurrection makes it real. Otherwise, as Paul says, we more than anyone should be pitied.

Second chances are not just a Mulligan for your sin up until the claim of redemption. Just as Jesus told Peter forgiveness (second chances) was required seven times seven time seven times, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins if we confess them and seek forgiveness.

I have had innumerable second chances, and I pray that I will continue to have as many as necessary, because my God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression and nothing in all of creation can separate me from him.

As you think back on Lent and Easter remember this, God loves you, he is not mad at you, he is fashioning you into the vessel he designed you to be from all eternity. May his everlasting love sustain you through all trials and tribulations, since in him you can do all things.

Grace and peace.

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