Don't Miss Easter While Celebrating Easter

This was originally written for the staff at Life Community Church, as they prepare for the Easter celebration weekend that's coming up very quickly. In ministry leadership (something very close to my heart), the work that goes in to preparing holiday weekends where the community will be visiting and it may be the only weekend to capture someone's attention who wouldn't otherwise attend church, it can be a very busy, rambunctious time. Many times the need to experience Easter and God's resurrection power goes unmet by ministry leaders as they pour themselves in to the prep for that weekend. One of my excellent mentors, Terry Schneider, once said to me when I was working for him, "Don't Miss Easter." It was a call to slow down and ENJOY the very Lord I was preparing to celebrate. It was a reminder to me that God's amazing resurrection power is available to me every day in my life, and THAT POWER was going to be the ingredient that would make the Easter celebration have an impact on others.

So, whether it's a family feast, multiple children's Easter baskets or a church service you're preparing, make sure you stop personally and reflect on the very One you're celebrating, having reverence for what you're doing in His name, and inviting Him in to the process. I chose to read a chapter of a book each night for two weeks up to Good Friday. It was Max Lucado's, "And the Angels Were Silent, Walking with Christ Toward the Cross." Here's how it spoke to me. Enjoy.

Scripture: “Work and get everything done during six days each week, but the seventh day is a day of rest to honor the Lord your God.” – Exodus 20:9-10

Max tells of a story in which he was taking his daughter, Andrea, out for a bike ride. She had just mastered riding a bike with two wheels and was ready for a bigger ride off of their street but had never ridden down a hill before.

‘We sat atop the descent and looked down it. To her it was Everest. “You sure you want to try?” I asked. “I think so,” she gulped. “Just put on your brakes when you want to stop. Don’t forget your brakes.” “Okay.” I rode to the midway point and waited. Down she came. The bike began to pick up speed. The handlebars began to shake. Her eyes got big. Her pedals moved in a blur. As she raced past she screamed, “I can’t remember how to stop pedaling!” She crashed into the curb...’

‘Could you use a reminder on how to slow it all down? If so, read what Jesus did during the last Sabbath of his life. Start in the Gospel of Matthew. Didn’t find anything? Try Mark. Read what Mark recorded about the way Jesus spent the Sabbath. Nothing there either? Strange. What about Luke? What does Luke say? Not a reference to the day? Not a word about it? Well, try John. Surely John mentions the Sabbath. He doesn’t? No reference? Hmmm... Looks like Jesus was quiet that day. “You mean with one week left to live, Jesus observed the Sabbath?” As far as we can tell. “You mean with all those apostles to train and people to teach, he took a day to rest and worship?” That’s exactly what I’m telling you.’

‘If Jesus found time in the midst of a racing agenda to stop the rush and sit in silence, do you think we could, too?’

‘Are Andrea’s words yours? “I don’t remember how to stop.” If so, you’re headed for a crash.’

‘Slow down. If God commanded it, you need it. If Jesus MODELED it, you need it. God still provides. Trust Him. Take a day to say no to work and yes to worship.’


I love this story, so simple yet true. And please don’t misunderstand me...there is no excuse for laziness and poor work quality. God’s Word tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23 NIV). BUT! God is much more concerned with any motive of our heart and level of trust in Him to deliver in our ministries than a grand production. In order to stay on track and to NOT MISS EASTER in the midst of Easter, we need to stop ourselves and rest and honor God in that time. Regroup. Make sure you take the time to rest regularly, even during this season.
Work hard, but work efficiently. Work passionately but understand the source of your passion. Stay passionate for the One we’re celebrating and bringing others to. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28 NIV). He meant that for everyone in any situation, including those closest to Him and leaders in ministry. You are in the hands of God.

DO NOT MISS EASTER!!