An Easter Mentality All Year LongSample

THE EASTERN SKY

Have you ever considered the word 'Easter,' deeply? This celebrated holiday includes the Word East. How beautiful that the East is where the sun peeks over the horizon, giving hope and promise to a new day!

Scripture tells us that Jesus, who is the Son of God and the Light of the world, will one day return from the East. I don't find this ironic; I find it well-planned by our Father, God.

"Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God." Revelation 7:2

"For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be." Matthew 24:27

The Ancient City of Jerusalem has eight gates, seven of which are still in use, all except the Eastern Gate, which was sealed centuries ago. The Eastern Gate is also known as the Golden Gate or Beautiful Gate, and in Hebrew, its meaning is 'mercy.' It faces the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley, the location of Jesus's return.

"And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the East. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From East to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south." Zachariah 14:4

Ezekiel 44:1-2 tells of the gate being closed: "The man brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, the one facing east, and it was shut. The Lord said to me, 'This gate is to remain shut. It must not be opened; no one may enter through it. It is to remain shut because the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered through it."

We know the Word Easter is not mentioned in scripture. This annual celebration began in 30 AD by the Romans. It is known as Pascha in Aramaic, Greek, and Latin and as Resurrection Sunday to Christians worldwide. Although it isn't mentioned in the Bible, everything it stands for spiritually is found in the Word.

Easter season is the reminder of hope, love, and victory over death!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the history of Your life and resurrection in the Word. May we draw nearer to You each day. In Jesus' Name. Amen