Tag: easter

Hope on the Horizon

Easter is coming—and it brings with it a reminder we all need from time to time: God isn’t finished yet.

We all hit seasons that feel heavy. Maybe life’s felt stuck lately. Maybe you’ve been carrying questions, disappointments, or even quiet battles no one sees. And maybe you’ve wondered, “Is this it?”

But Easter says, “Not even close.”

When Jesus went to the cross, it looked like the end. From a human perspective, everything pointed to loss. His closest friends scattered. His enemies felt victorious. Hope seemed buried with Him in the tomb. But buried doesn’t mean gone. And dead doesn’t mean done.

The resurrection isn’t just a moment in history—it’s a message to every one of us. It’s God’s way of saying, “I’m still at work. I still bring dead things to life. I still write redemptive endings.”

Isaiah 43:19 puts it this way: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” That’s the heartbeat of Easter. New life. Fresh hope. A comeback no one saw coming.

And it’s not just for the polished or the put-together. It’s for the tired dad, the uncertain husband, the man who’s been showing up but feeling flat. Easter reminds us that our worst day isn’t the final word. That God can take what looks like defeat and turn it into resurrection.

Romans 8:11 gives us this incredible promise: “The Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.” That means resurrection power isn’t just something to celebrate—it’s something we can live from. Right here. Right now.

If you’re like me, you like to help God co-author your story. I’m great at trying to speed things up or blaze my own trail. But I only find real peace when I sit back and trust that His writing—both the content and the style—is far better and more effective than mine. And to anchor that truth, here are a few verses that remind us we really can trust Him to author our story:

Hebrews 12:2 refers to Jesus as “the author and perfecter of our faith”.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God’s intentions: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Whatever season you’re in, Easter invites you to believe again. To trust that God is still writing your story, even if you’re stuck on a hard chapter.

Questions:

  • What part of today’s message resonated with you the most?
  • Where in your life do you need to be reminded that “God is not finished yet”?
  • If you are comfortable doing so, please share a time when God brought something good out of a difficult season in your life?
  • What does it look like, practically, to “sit back and trust” God in your current season?

Easter Mountain Climbing

As we observe Good Friday this week, we have time to reflect on a theme that we also explored last week—mountains. Specifically, we draw inspiration from Isaiah 2:1-4, where the mountain symbolizes a place of encountering God, learning, and mutual growth. This Easter, I invite you to view our collective spiritual journey through the lens of ascending a sacred mountain—a journey that ties in with our exploration last week of “The Second Mountain” by David Brooks.

The Mountain of the Lord: Easter’s Call to Ascent

Easter is a season of renewal, resurrection, and reawakening. It invites us to contemplate the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ultimate journey from the valley of death to the pinnacle of new life. This ascent to the “mountain of the Lord,” as Isaiah envisions, symbolizes our call to move closer to God, seeking His ways and walking in His paths.

Connecting the Mountains

Last week, we reflected on the metaphor of climbing two mountains. The first mountain is about personal ambitions and success, while the second mountain focuses on selflessness, commitment, and service to others. This Easter, we’re reminded that there is yet another mountain to climb—the one where we meet God in His majesty, learning His ways and committing to walk in His paths.

From the Valley to the Mountain Top

Easter is a good time to reflect on the valleys of our lives—moments of suffering, doubt, and death. Yet, it offers a profound hope that, with God’s help, we can conquer these valleys! (can I get an Amen!?) The resurrection of Jesus signifies that the darkest valley can (and did) lead to the highest mountain, where eternal life and peace reign.

The Communal Journey Upward

Isaiah’s vision of the mountain of the Lord is not just an individual ascent; it’s a group invitation. “Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord.'” This echoes the importance of community and service we discussed last week. As we climb towards Easter’s promise, we do so together, supporting and uplifting each other in faith.

Embracing Easter’s Journey

As we prepare our hearts for Easter, let’s embrace the journey from the valley to the mountaintop. Let’s renew our commitment to learn from God, to walk in His paths, and to do so together as men who support each other in every way possible and always want the best for each other.

Reflection Questions for Easter Ascent

1. How does the Easter story of resurrection inspire you to get through valleys? And, if you are comfortable sharing, what valleys are you emerging from, and what mountain are you climbing now?

2. The journey to the mountain of the Lord is a communal one. How does your faith community come together to support each other in this ascent? How can you contribute to this journey?

3. Similar to the last question, as we collectively ascend the mountain of the Lord, what do the words “leave no man behind” mean to you? What are some ways we can live out that idea?

4. Imagine reaching the mountain of the Lord, as described by Isaiah. What emotions and thoughts does this evoke in you?

5. Isaiah speaks of learning the ways of the Lord. How can you, in this Easter season, commit to learning more about God’s ways and applying them in your life?