Easter in Africa
by Charl van Wyk
As Easter approaches, Christians around the world will once again reflect on the cornerstone of our faith: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. For many of us, the Resurrection is more than just a historical event – it’s a personal encounter with the living God.
The Resurrection is the ultimate sign of God’s power over death and sin. It’s the culmination of God’s plan of salvation, the moment when He fulfilled His promise to send a Savior who would defeat the powers of darkness and restore man’s relationship with Him.
A Powerful Reminder
The Resurrection is a powerful reminder that God is in control. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the chaos and suffering of the world around us, but the Resurrection assures us that God is always working to bring about His purposes, even when we can’t see them.
As the Apostle Paul wrote, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
A Source of Hope
The Resurrection is also a source of hope for us as we face the challenges and struggles of life. When we feel discouraged or hopeless, we can turn to the Resurrection as a reminder that our God is a God of life, not death.
As Jesus Himself said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11:25-26
A Call to Action
The Resurrection is also a call to action. As Christians, we are called to live out the Resurrection in our daily lives. We are called to be agents of hope, in a world that so often seems dominated by despair and death. We are witnesses to the power of God who transforms individual lives, communities, and nations.
But the Resurrection is not just a call to action – it’s also a source of comfort and peace.
A Source of Comfort and Peace
In the Resurrection, we see that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a new and eternal life with God.
As the Apostle Paul wrote, “For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' ” 1 Corinthians 15:53-54
A Reminder of His Love for Us
The Resurrection also reminds us of the incredible love that God has for us. The fact that God would send His only Son to die for us, and then raise Him from the dead, is a powerful testament to His love and grace.
As the Apostle John wrote, “By this we know love, that He laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” 1 John 3:16
A Source of Joy and Celebration
The Resurrection is a source of joy and celebration.
As we gather with our African brothers and sisters in Christ to celebrate Easter, we are reminded of the incredible joy and freedom that comes from knowing that we have been saved by God’s grace, through faith.
As the psalmist wrote, “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.” Psalm 30:11
In conclusion, the Resurrection is the most important event in human history. It is the moment when God’s plan of salvation was fulfilled, and when the powers of darkness were defeated.
Jesus Christ proclaimed, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matthew 28:18
Under the authority of Jesus Christ we have a great responsibility, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations …” (Matthew 28:19)
Let’s obey His Command!
About the Author
Charl van Wyk is a Christian missionary, author, and activist in Africa. His belief in his Christian duty to protect the innocent, vulnerable, and oppressed led him to single-handedly return fire in the midst of a terrorist attack, saving many lives! The story of how God led Charl to forgive and pursue reconciliation with his attackers is captured in his best-selling book, Shooting Back – The Right and Duty of Self-defense. Now he is engaged in a new war - a battle to establish kingdom-focused covenant communities in Southern Africa. His proactive stance on educating the Church and renewing minds with a Biblical worldview drives him to see communities changed through the Gospel, discipleship, and community development.
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