by Kala Loptien

Redeemed

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10: 9-10, English Standard Version

I started to collect all of my Easter-themed decor the day after Resurrection Sunday – a combination of bunnies and crosses. Similar to the week following Christmas, there seems to be a bit of a letdown, don’t you think? There’s a lot of hype around the seasons, with a lot of it being very secular and commercialized. There’s also the beautiful and true celebratory, anticipatory nature as we prepare to observe our Savior’s birth and His death.

But when the services, gatherings, meals, parties, presents and decorations are no more, what then? I grabbed this piece pictured here from my “stow-away” box and placed it back up on our mantel. This isn’t a once-a-year reminder. This is our faith. This is our life. He is risen indeed and we are redeemed absolutely. We might immediately shift back into our ordinary routines; but let’s be real here: there is nothing ordinary about what we just celebrated. By HIS wounds WE are healed. He took our place and suffered excruciating physical and spiritual pain so that we could have abundant life. That life He has given us is more than just our everyday existence. It’s spiritual purpose and peace.

Let’s live differently. Let’s celebrate our redemption daily. Let’s be in the word often, encouraging others constantly, worshiping and praying frequently and remembering our Great Commission. He is risen. We are healed. Praise God!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado