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Text: © Doreen Harrison 2016. Cover Image © Arne9001. Design by Blitz Media. Faithbuilders: A Division of Apostolos Publishing Ltd, 3rd Floor 207 Regent St LONDON W1B 3HH Further copies of this tract from www.biblestudiesonline.org.uk
Happy EaSTER
When Easter comes and the shops ooze with chocolate extravaganza, my memory recollects an Easter feast prepared in an African village. The cooking pot contained roast monkey! I had seen the monkeys for sale in the local market, lying amongst other meat—unskinned with their arms carefully folded across their chests. Unrecognisable now it was jointed and well cooked, the savoury smell did not make my mouth water, rather it brought tears to my eyes. I felt more like a cannibal than a carnivore. On another Easter in rural America, friends were visiting an Indian family. “We have a special treat for you,” announced their host. He lifted his gun from a stand in the hallway and said, “I’ll just go and shoot two fat squirrels—have you ever tasted squirrel stew?” Don’t worry, our local squirrels are safe! My hall stand holds hats and coats rather than guns! I saw a photo in a newspaper recently which showed 1000 Easter eggs which were to be given away to local children, and this prompted a question. What is so special about an Easter egg? There are so many different sizes, shapes, and fillings, but why celebrate Easter with an egg? Every Easter egg is symbolic in three ways.
First, at Easter we remember that Jesus died and was buried. But on the third day after his death, the grave was broken open to let him out. As we break open an Easter egg we are releasing the sweet life which is inside. Secondly, Easter eggs sometimes contain sweet surprises. Ever since Jesus strode out of his cave tomb on Easter Sunday, he has sweetened the world with his risen presence. Thirdly, the only way to appreciate an Easter egg is to taste it and see for yourself! I’m not offering you roast monkey or squirrel stew, and I’m not giving away Easter eggs. What I am trying to do is recommend to you the real and glorious truth of Easter. Jesus died and rose again for you that you might have eternal life. ln Psalm 34 there is this advice: “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8 ESV) Find out the goodness of the Lord for yourself! Ministry is available for you at your local church—why not go along and see?