For many, the fact that Easter falls on April Fool’s Day this year must seem quite appropriate. After all, they argue, anyone who believes in the resurrection of the dead must be a fool and anyone who believes Jesus was raised must be the biggest fool of all.
In a way, they are right, “For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” 1 Corinthians 15:16–19 NIV
But what if, as Paul testifies, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead”? What if the Easter story is true? Then who is the fool?
I cannot prove to you Christ was raised. I’ve never seen anyone come back to life. But I can tell you Jesus has given me a new heart and put a new spirit within me (Ezekiel 36:26). When I was dead in my sins, God made me alive in Christ, forgiving all my sins. (Colossians 2:13). If having a heart filled with “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7), makes me a fool then may I be the biggest fool of all!
On this Easter morning, I chose to believe “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Call me a fool if you will, but remember “…the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18.
Today, join me in declaring Christ crucified and risen, “a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” 1 Corinthians 1:23. Let us together become “fools for Christ”, that others may know Him who gave His life that they may live.
The world will tell you Easter is a fable, a mere concoction of immature minds, but don’t be fooled. Christ is risen! This Easter, “set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1) and together let us spread the Good News – He Lives!
God bless and Happy Easter!