Who...or What do you Pursue?

Wow...so it's been a month since ReFirement, a month to reflect on this new journey of life. And though I would love to write about that today, something more pressing holds for this particular blog.

 

Today, is Easter Sunday. Many things could be said about its origin, but what literally STANDS out for me is the Resurrection of our redeemer. "Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o'er His foes, He arose a victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign, He arose, He arose, hallelujah Christ arose". 

Keith Getty and Stuart Townend have as well so beautifully penned the following, "There in the ground His body lay, light of the world by darkness slain. Then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave he rose again! And as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost its grip on me. For I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ."

July 1976

Our personal demonstration of the life that Christ has given is manifested in many ways, but one such beautiful way is through baptism. Today, a very dear friend and brother has asked that I participate in his baptism. What an honor! As I reflect on this day and on his friendship, the following is what was brought to mind...

"One word continues to emerge when I think of Craig Rawie, that is pursue. We've been blessed to know the Rawie family for nearly 20 years, enough to be confident when I say that his pursuit is our Lord Christ. Paul uses this word twice in chapter three of his letter to the Philippians. "I pursue that I may lay hold of that for which I have been laid hold of by Christ Jesus". Craig, God has blessed me these years to call you friend, brother and fellow worshiper of Christ...to witness your pursuit of Jesus and how that is so evident in your relationship with Nyla, with Cole, Austin and Anika, with friends and with strangers. As you have in the past, might you continue to pursue the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. And might this baptism today always stand as a reminder of your continued pursuit of the resurrected Christ."

Craig with his children on Elk Lake...

Blessings on each who might stumble upon this blog today. Regardless of your color, your national origin, the beliefs that you hold...know that the One who created the beauty that our eyes lay hold of, is the very same One who loves each such that He has dealt with the ugliness that we so unfortunately see and often live ourselves. How? Through Christ Jesus who shed His blood for our sins, dying upon a wicked cross and yet...we have hope, glorious hope in the resurrected Christ. Death no longer is master over Him. Might that hope be yours today.

HE IS RISEN...HE IS RISEN INDEED!