As I spent time reflecting on all Easter means to me, I thought of my family, my grandchildren, my friends, our church… I thought of cities around the world and people who wander the literal and metaphorical streets of life searching for purpose and meaning. If only they could hear this miraculous GOOD NEWS, if only they knew Jesus and how profoundly loved they truly are.

The truth is, we are grafted into the greatest story ever told. Because of Jesus, death does not write the final word, sickness does not have the last say, disappointment cannot claim your conclusion, and sin has no power to hold you captive. The great love of God and resurrection life of Jesus has established a new hope, a new future, a holy revival – and we are all included in this glorious story.

Think about it… as Jesus retired His last breath on the cross, darkness fell, the earth trembled, rocks split, and the dead raised to life. Three days later, the stone was rolled away, the morning sun emerged, the tomb was empty, and word was spread… He is risen, revival was in the air!

Revival means an awakening or a coming back to the things of God. Words of similar meaning include renewal, renaissance, and RESURRECTION. What looked like death for one, was the making of a way of life for ALL.

Familiarity may be the greatest adversary of revival. There is nothing familiar about the resurrection life of Jesus, it is a powerful reality. We celebrate that Jesus, in His humanity and divinity, came to earth and died for us all. He took our sin and shame and made us right with God. And we believe that this life-giving God rose from death into life and is still alive today, living in us – how extraordinary!

Imagine if individuals, families, cities and nations were to awaken to unfailing love, peace that never runs out, joy that never ends, true freedom, and a future beyond their wildest dreams. Imagine if we could help people come to know that there is more to life than meets the eye.

As we gather in churches around the world and in homes with friends and family, let’s remember the power and hope the Easter message brings. Save one more seat at your Easter table or maybe invite that friend or co-worker to church one more time – perhaps this is the weekend they will awaken to salvation.

Sending you and your family love and blessings this Easter.

Brian Houston

So if while we were still enemies, God fully reconciled us to himself through the death of his Son, then something greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, and because we share in his resurrection life, how much more we will be rescued from sin’s dominion! (Romans 5:10 TPT)