This Season!

He was despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and pain and acquainted with grief; And like One from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or esteem Him. ISAIAH 53:3 AMP

Easter is one of the seasons in the calender and is celebrated in one form or the other all over the world. There are holidays commemorating this season, with plenty of food and drinks to go along. However, do we stop often to think about the first Easter season and what it meant for the One who sealed the deal and made it possible for us to rejoice today? Look at today's extract for a tip of the iceberg.

Here was a man who was sent for the salvation of men, yet men didn't recognise or appreciate him. He was the key to eternal redemption, yet he was despised. It could be that there was nothing about him that gave an inkling about his mission and purpose. He was a king in heaven, yet he came as a simple child, born in a manger and kept in a feeding trough. No fine palace or inn had room for him. The King felt threatened by him, the people of his day totally rejected the idea of him as king or saviour. Herod went ahead to kill all children below 2 years all because of him. That was the background to the first Easter.

As he grew, there was opposition all around. Even his own people rejected him, and it was said of his hometown in Mark 6:4-5 KJV that "Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.  And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them." How much good could a man do, who was not even appreciated at home?

He faced his assignment, but there was opposition all around. He was used to rejection, and even amongst his disciples, who he had mentored for 3 and a half years, was one who eventually betrayed him for money. There were attempts to kill him, some tried to discredit him by attributing his miracles to the devil, some raised false witnesses against him, so that he could be killed. Eventually, men had their way and he was crucified, but therein lies the secret of Easter. If there was no death, there could be no life. If there was no payment for sin, we would be required to make daily sacrifices. In that first season, ugly as it was, lies the beauty of our place in God and the eternal hope that has been birthed in us.

The men of that age didn't appreciate him, but then, it is not much different today. Faith in Christ is mocked and despised, yet nothing I do or say can change the fact that in Him alone lies the secret to true life. Just as it was then, so is it now. However, his love just wouldn't let go. His arms are stretched out, just as they were those centuries ago, and he still calls. Men didn't appreciate him then, but for ALL who come to him, his promise is that he will not cast away. Make this Easter season one to remember, and give God l you are. He will make it a life to remember. His time of favour is here.