I’m a sports fan. I don’t know if you are or not, but I’m sure you’ve at least heard of the NCAA March Madness Tournaments. During March Madness, men and women pursue their dreams of being a national champion in one of the most exciting sports events of the year. I saw a commercial several times over the course of the tournament that made me think. It was an NCAA commercial designed to sell tickets for games and encourage being a fan of your favorite team. The announcer begins the commercial saying, “Welcome to Fandom 101…Your path to fan mastery begins here. It’s all part of the curriculum.”
As the Church, we cannot just be fans of Jesus, it has to be so much more. Following Jesus has to be more than cheering from the sideline as we watch Jesus and the Spirit at work around us. Following Jesus has to be more than just watching others actions and watching their worship. Following Jesus is a participatory sport–we have to be in the game. We carry the joy and hope of Easter on to the rest of our year, to everyone around us who needs it…to a dark and hurting world…to a lost and lonely neighbor…
We are Easter People. As believers in the resurrection of Jesus, we are Easter People. We claim the name of Jesus. We claim the name Christian, which literally translates to little Christ. We are little Christs, the Easter People. And that means something, we are to live like Christ. Not perfect…but everyday we are trying to follow Him, walk with Him, be led by Him, and invite others to walk with Him.
As we ride the joyful wave from Easter, let us walk each and every day in the resurrection. Your path to growing in your faith can begin here. It’s all part of the curriculum…
Prayer: God, we are humbled by the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. Give us the strength to live as Easter people. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Grace and peace,
Aaron
(704) 300-0081