News from the Team  

Revd Paul Kerley

SEBA Regional Minister
 

The ripples of Easter

I am writing this Easter thought during Lent, as we approach Holy Week. This is a time, of course, for deep reflection, recalling the events of that profound week: the triumphant cries of “Hosanna” as Jesus entered Jerusalem, the intimacy and significance of the Last Supper, the pain of betrayal, the injustice of His mock trial, the cries of the crowd shouting “Crucify him,” and ultimately His crucifixion and death at Calvary. Then, on Easter Sunday, we celebrate the empty tomb and Jesus’ appearances to His followers, reaffirming the miracle and wonder of His resurrection.

Easter also draws my thoughts to Christmas, and vice versa. Christmas celebrates Jesus’ first coming into the world as a baby and while His humble birth, known only to a few shepherds and wise men, might seem distant from the events of Easter, the two are intrinsically linked. They are two sides of the same coin, inseparably connected in the grand story of redemption.

Recently, my wife Pam and I shared a simple moment with our young grandson, showing him how ripples spread from stones we tossed into the water. This reminded me of how Jesus’ presence in the world creates ripples. His birth, life, death and resurrection have radiated outward for over 2,000 years, transforming lives and growing His Church. Just as those ripples spread across the water, so too does the Gospel message, touching hearts and changing the world.

This Easter, may we renew our faith and commitment to living lives that reflect Christ’s teachings. Let us preach with fresh determination and expectancy: “Christ has died, Christ is risen and Christ will come again!” As churches, let us “Partner in Mission,” embodying the true spirit of Easter by sharing acts of kindness, forgiveness and the Good News of Jesus. May we, like pebbles in the water, create ripples of love and hope that spread far and wide.

May the joy, peace, and purpose of our risen Saviour fill our hearts this Easter. Together, let us rejoice in the resurrection and the eternal hope it brings.

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