I READ A STORY ABOUT AN AMERICAN who was traveling in the Middle East and had the opportunity to talk with a political figure, and in the course of the conversation he brought up the subject of Christianity. The American told the official that Christians believe God has given us three revelations of Himself. “We too believe that,” said the official, who was a Muslim.

“We believe God revealed Himself in the works of creation,” said the American. “We also believe that,” the other responded. The American continued, “We believe God has revealed Himself in a book—the Bible.” The Muslim answered, “We too believe God has revealed Himself in a book—the Koran.” The American declared, “We believe God has revealed Himself in a man—Jesus Christ.” “We also believe God has revealed Himself in a man,” replied the official—the prophet Mohammed.” “We believe,” added the American, “that Jesus is able to substantiate His claims because He arose from the dead.” The Muslim hesitated, then his eyes fell. Finally he replied, “We have no information concerning our prophet after his death.”

More than chocolate bunnies, fancy dresses, and spring vacation. Easter is power surging, life-giving, Resurrection! The living Son of God came from heaven to be mocked, spat upon, pierced, and crucified for us, then arose and ascended for us so that we can live forever!

On Monday morning after Easter, a pastor was leaving his church when he noticed “the flower lady.” She had been there for several days. At her feet, corsages and boutonnieres were parading on top of a spread-open newspaper. She was smiling, her wrinkled old face alive with some inner joy. On impulse, the pastor turned and picked out a flower. As he put it in his lapel, he said, “You look happy this morning.” “Why not? Everything is good.” The flower lady was dressed so shabbily and seemed so old that her reply startled him. “You’ve been sitting here for many years now, haven’t you? And you’re always smiling. You wear your troubles well.”
“Well, you can’t reach my age and not have troubles,” she replied. “Only it’s like Jesus and good Friday…” She paused for a moment…” You see, when Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, that was the worst day for the world. And when I get troubles I remember that. And then I think of what happened three days later---our Lord rising from the dead. So when I get troubles, I’ve learned to wait three days…somehow everything gets all right again.”