A Personal Discovery

Many of us remember looking for Easter eggs as children. These colored treasures were hidden, so we had to look carefully. Our parents had favorite hiding places, such as behind a tree trunk, or up in the branches.

Looking for the truth about Easter also includes something that is hidden and a tree.

Like colored eggs, we can look good on the outside--what we let people see. But that façade often hides selfishness, envy and impure thoughts within our hearts, which the Bible calls sin--"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). This sin has separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 6:23), and the abundant, peace-filled life He intends for us (John 10:10).

Of course, far more important than seeking to find Easter eggs, we are to seek God. Graciously, He promises in the Bible that if we seek Him with all our heart, we will surely find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). The answer to our sin is not found at the base of a tree in our yards, however, but at an olive tree shaped into a cross, upon which Jesus died for our sins. Kneeling there, the sin hidden in our lives is revealed. Again God promises,"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Yet His death on the cross was not the end! The angel at the empty tomb said, "He is not here, for He has risen"(Matthew 28:6). Because He lives we can know the hope of life eternal. Death doesn't have to win any more! The Bible says that "if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9).

Bunnies, eggs and bonnets are fun for a day. But there is only One who can give us abundant life now and forever. And this One, Jesus, gave us a wonderful promise: "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened" (Matthew 7:8).

Let Jesus--the Truth of Easter--open your heart and make you new and beautiful forever inside. Do it now with this simple prayer:

Dear God,

My search for the truth about Easter has ended at the cross of Jesus.

I acknowledge that my sin has separated me from You. I now confess and turn from my sin, and by faith accept Jesus Christ as my resurrected Savior and Lord. Thank You for giving me eternal life. Help me to trust You, and give me the courage and strength as a disciple to obey Your Word.

Amen.