Where can we find rest?
This Easter season, the world around us seems weary. With economic pressures, threats of violence, and an uncertain future, we have reached a point where we need rest and relief. The story of Easter teaches us that true rest is only found in our Lord Christ.
In the Gospel of St. Matthew11:28-29, Christ encourages His weary disciples: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” In what ways does our Lord give us rest?
First, Christ gives us rest now by bearing our burdens. In His death and resurrection, Christ took upon Himself the burden of evil and He conquered it. He understands the hardships which we go through because He Himself has gone before us. Therefore, He can sympathize with us and bear our burdens. When we are weary, let us bring our burdens to Him, and He will give us rest. Let us not be afraid to come to Him. While Christ is Lord of all, He is also “gentle and lowly in heart.” He will hear us as we pray to Him. The story of Easter helps to confirm this truth. Christ loves us so much that He died and rose for us. Therefore, He is always willing to bear our burdens when we come to Him in faith.
Second, Christ gives us rest in the future by offering us an eternal home. We always feel most at rest when we are home, surrounded by those whom we love and who love us. The story of Easter teaches us that the world belongs to Christ. In His resurrection, Christ inherited the earth. But Christ is not greedy. When we trust in Him and follow His example in faith, Christ shares his home with us. We eagerly await the day of the creation’s liberation and renewal, in which our bodies will be raised, as He was raised, and we will live in our new, eternal home with Christ. Then, we will have true and everlasting rest.
When the worries of this world make us weary, let us be encouraged and renewed. The story of Easter teaches us that we can find true rest in Christ!
Rev. Dr Zachary Kail
Member of the Board of Directors
American Academy Larnaca
Why is Good Friday Good?
In a few days, we will celebrate Good Friday, the day on which Christ died. Why is it called ‘Good Friday’? After all, a terrible and unjust act happened on Good Friday. In the Gospel of St Matthew, 27:51, we learn that when Christ died, “the veil of the temple was torn in two.” The meaning of this torn veil can teach us why Good Friday is good.
In the Old Testament, one of the most important functions of the veil in the Temple was to block access to God’s presence. Only the high priest, and only once a year, could enter the Holy of Holies. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest passed into the Holy of Holies through the veil with fear and dread. This fear and dread was understandable. God is holy and we are sinners.. Access to God was denied because of the sins of the people. But now, the veil, which forbade access to God, was torn. All of us are allowed to enter the presence of God!
What happened? Did God’s character suddenly change? Has God grown soft in his old age? No! Christ died and our sins died with him. Christ died so that our sins can be forgiven. He was raised so that we can walk in newness of life. His death cancels the penalty of sin; his life nullifies the power of sin. Now, we who believe in Christ can enter the Holy of Holies freely and without fear because our sins are forgiven. We have access to God through Christ.
As we celebrate Good Friday, let us mourn for the state of the world. Let us look upon the evil and suffering of this world and weep. Our world is full of pain and difficulties. But into this world of suffering entered our Lord Christ. He took upon himself the pain and evil of this world and through his sacrifice, he offers us forgiveness and access into His presence. Therefore, let us also celebrate. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, God is with us forever. That’s why Good Friday is so good!
Rev. Dr. Zachary Kail
Member of the American Academy Board of Directors
The Story of Easter: A New Beginning
Without a doubt, Easter is the most important Christian holiday. Why? What does the resurrection of Christ mean? The resurrection of Christ takes place at the end of the four gospels. But it is the beginning of a new story. The story of God’s new creation begins with the resurrection of Christ. When we believe in Christ, we participate in this story. The power of the resurrection floods our hearts and teaches us two important lessons.
First, Christ’s resurrection teaches us to hope. As wars and violence surround us, it is easy to despair; it is easy to think that there is no hope for a world so often marred by cruelty and brutality. Christ’s resurrection, however, teaches us to hope that a far greater power reigns in this world. Even as perpetrators of evil lust after control, the resurrection of Christ assures us that the power of love will ultimately overcome the love of power.
Second, Christ’s resurrection teaches us to love. God’s power displayed in Christ’s resurrection can transform our hearts so that we learn to live according to Christ’s image and example. By His power, we begin to love our neighbour as ourselves. By His power, we reject the hatred that so saturates this world. By His power, we learn to listen to others humbly. By His power, we deny our narcissistic impulses to live only for ourselves.
God’s new creation begins in our hearts, but it does not end there. When Christ returns, we will be resurrected from the dead. We will live with our Saviour in a beautifully transformed world. The Apostle John describes this new world: “God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more, neither will there be mourning nor crying nor pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” That is why the words “Christ is Risen!” are so important. The resurrection of Christ confirms the resurrection of all who believe in Him. As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ this Easter, let us thank God for the privilege we have of participating in the story of new creation!
Rev. Dr. Zachary Kail
Member of the American Academy Board of Directors
