Category: Easter

He is Risen… but that’s not all!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

When in Israel, this was one of my favorite spots. The garden tomb, and the sign on the door that you see after you see the folded clothes on the empty bench inside the tomb.

How many times have I read the angel’s words in Matthew’s account of the women at the empty tomb? And how many times did I miss important treasures? I was always so focused on the statement, “He is not here, for He has risen, as He said,” that I missed what came before and after.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had gone to look at the tomb. While there, an angel came down from heaven, caused an earthquake, and rolled the stone away. The guards so shook in fear, they became like dead men, but the angel addressed the women. Before giving instructions for them to go the disciples and to Galilee, he said,

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matt. 28:5-6

Let’s unpack this a bit:

“Do not be afraid” – always any angel’s first words. They must be scary! The guards were terrified, but the angel didn’t address them. His words were for the women. He had a message just for them, so he put their worries at ease.

“I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.” – He knew they were seeking Jesus. And because they were seeking Jesus, he shared his message with them. Are you actively seeking Jesus, my friend?

“He is not here, for He has risen, as He said” – the foundation of our faith, right here in these  words. Death was conquered, and He could not be found in the tomb. Just as He had promised!

“Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” –   The women were invited in to see for themselves. The stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out. In His resurrected body, Jesus could pass through material barriers. No, the stone was rolled away so that others could enter His space, to see in,  and to be fully persuaded that Jesus had indeed been raised from the dead.  We too are invited to come and to experience Jesus for ourselves.

In summary:

Don’t be afraid.

Seek Jesus.

Come and experience Him.

 

 

Famous Last Words – Part 2

Posted on by Susan Panzica

luke 23-34

In Famous Last Words -Part 1, I shared about one of Jesus’s last statements, “Father forgive them”. Today, I share another insight from these same three words.

Christ died for us while we were still sinners, long before we ever repented or asked for forgiveness. He died for those still screaming, “Crucify him!” and He prayed:

“Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”

But it seems to me that they did know what they were doing, didn’t they? They were calling for His death. What they did not know was WHO they were doing it to, and WHAT His death would accomplish for them.

Is there someone in your life causing you pain? They may not be calling for your execution, but they are hurtful nevertheless. Consider this – that person is giving you an opportunity to develop Christ-likeness that you would not have otherwise.

If we can see the offensive person in our life as Jesus does, and if we can forgive them as He did, we will be freed from the bondage of resentment and bitterness and will become a little more like Jesus. Picture this: that painful person is giving us an incredible, life-changing, eternal opportunity!

I had such a person in my life. For years, this person repeatedly caused me untold anguish and grief. My hurt turned bitterness, and like an invisible tether, I was in bondage to the one who hurt me. It took a long time, but when I began to see that this person was actually a gift from God, my heart began to change. I was freed from the bondage of bitterness. I was able to see that person as God did, to pray unhindered by my resentment. I learned that I could forgive because “they did not know what they were doing.” That person gave me the gift of developing Christ-likeness.

Peter says, “But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps… When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:20-23)

Years before Jesus hung on that cross and prayed for his persecutors, He said to the crowd at the Mount of Beatitudes, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.“ (Matt. 5:44) Did He know when He spoke those words that years later, with His dying breath, He would become that example, that He would demonstrate exactly what He was calling us to do? 

But how is it possible in our human fraility and sinfulness, can we even begin to see our “enemies” as Jesus does?

The key is to shift perspective, to see the bigger picture. As Paul said, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:17-18)

I pray that if you have a difficult person, you may begin to see them as Jesus does. And in so doing, you will be able to forgive, whether or not they have asked. And you will be able to look in the mirror and see a reflection of the One who made you.

 Susan_signature

God To Go!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40 period leading up to Resurrection Sunday.

Throughout history, God has used 40-day periods to accomplish His purposes.

  • It rained for 40 daysdelivering Noah, his family and the animals from destruction.
  • For 40 days, Moses was on Mount Sinai, face to face with God, receiving the Ten Commandments.
  • The spies of the nation of Israel surveyed the promised land for40 days.
  • Jonah, in obedience, went to Ninevah proclaiming destruction in 40 days and inspired a revival in the sinful city.
  • Jesus spent 40 daysin the wilderness overcoming temptation before beginning His earthly ministry.
  • For 40 days, Jesus walked the earth after His resurrection, giving many “convincing proofs”, speaking of the kingdom of God, and birthing the early church.
  • Even in this century, Pastor Rick Warren influenced millions of people with his 40 dayplan in his bestseller book, The Purpose Driven Life.

For the past few days, I heard people mentioning what they would sacrifice during this 40 day period. No longer limited to fasting food, people are giving up social media or activities. Some friends aren’t giving up anything, but are adding specific acts of generosity and kindness to their 40 days.

And then there are those who are too busy to stop on one day to receive ashes, and for them, there’s:

Ashes-to-Go!

Yup, this morning, I heard that advertised on the radio. No need to stop by a house of worship. Just grab some ashes as you’re at your local coffee shop, train station, or street corner.

To be honest, my judgmental attitude got all up in the face of what I considered to be just short of an abomination.

It seemed to me that the purpose of Ash Wednesday for those who observe it is to stop, to rest, to contemplate, to step aside from the busyness.

My husband often remarks about the long lines at the Starbucks drive-thru’s. He says that the whole concept of Starbucks is to experience an atmosphere where people can gather and sip. The drive-thru’s are just short of an abomination.

But the Ashes-to-Go folks had this to say:

 “Ashes to Go” is about bringing spirit, belief, and belonging out from behind church doors, and into the places where we go every day.  It’s a simple event with deep meaning, drawing on centuries of tradition and worship to provide a contemporary moment of grace.

 We take ashes to the street corner because that reminder of need, humility, and healing shouldn’t be confined to a church building.  We probably need it more when we are in the middle of our daily business! The ashes we receive are to remind us throughout the day of our need for God, and of God’s call to us.

Now, I don’t want to get into denominations, traditions, liturgy, or any other church practice. I understand that for some getting ashes on a street corner may just be a habit without meaning, a going through the motions without emotion or depth of conviction. But for some, it provides an opportunity to connect with God right where they are.

Jesus didn’t camp out in pews. He went where the people were. And bringing Jesus out of the church and into the community is an idea I totally support.

It’s not my job to judge. I’ll leave that for God to sort out.

And that’s was my Ash Wednesday lesson today.

What do you think?

In The Middle – the dark place between sorrow and joy

Posted on by Susan Panzica

He is not here - sign

Today we are in the middle.
Yesterday was Good Friday –
the pain of suffering,
despair, heartache,
the event that left us full of tears
Tomorrow is Easter –
the joy of new life,
resurrection,
rising from the ashes of pain
Today we are just in the middle-
the preparing for tomorrow’s feast,
tomorrow’s worship,
tomorrow’s new garments
.

Do you ever feel – in the middle? Having experienced tragedy or loss, but waiting for the future hope and peace that is promised? We must wait, but not as those with no hope. It was while Jesus was waiting that He set the captives free.

When I was in Israel, one of the most powerful moments for me was at the Garden Tomb. I entered the empty tomb, and after my eyes adjusted to the darkness, saw the white garments folded on the stone bench. Turning to exit the tomb and enter the light, I saw a rough, wooden sign that read:

“He is not here;
he has risen,
just as he said.”
Matt. 28:6
.

Seeing those words in that place was a powerful reminder that He has risen. The full verse includes the words JUST AS HE SAID! So what else did He say?

We have been healed:“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”-1 Peter 2:24

We have a future:“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

So we must:“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Titus 1:2

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3

Today, while still in the middle, this is my prayer for you:“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

My heart is grieving for a family that suffered a tragic loss. They are in the dark Saturday tomb and have lost hope for the future. They aren’t preparing for a glorious tomorrow. They are clinging to the pain of today. Perhaps you are in that place too or know someone stuck in their dark night of the soul, a place we are meant to transverse, not dwell.

The angels at the tomb asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee…” Lk. 24:5-6  
Oh that we could stop looking among the dead, in the dark, but remember and cling to what He told us, the hope for the future.

Today let us pray together that you and they and we all may remember the truth He told us and catch of glimmer of the glorious hope to come.

May you have a most blessed Resurrection Day! May you rejoice with Him who rose from the dead to give you eternal life, who endured the darkness to bring us with Him into the light. And may you be preparing for the ultimate feast, worship and garments yet to come!!
Susan_signature
He is not here - tomb sign
He is not here - garden tomb

The Passover Question About Good Friday

Posted on by Susan Panzica

why night different

Part of the Passover Seder is the reading of the Four Questions. Usually this is done by the youngest boy, but when I was a child, my siblings were too young, so it was my job to recite – in Hebrew – the Four Questions. It is actually one question with four answers.

Ma nishtanah halailah hazeh mikol haleilos?
Why is this night different from all other nights?
.

The answers:

On all other nights we eat leavened products and matzah,
and on this night only matzah.
On all other nights we eat all vegetables,
and on this night only bitter herbs.
On all other nights, we don’t dip our food even once,
and on this night we dip twice.
On all other nights we eat sitting or reclining,
and on this night we only recline.
.

When I saw the movie, “The Passion of the Christ” several years ago, I was struck by one scene in particular, an ordinary scene that would not stand out to most of the viewers. In her home, Mary, the mother of Jesus, conversationally asked, “Ma nishtanah halailah hazeh mikol haleilos?” The subtitles displayed the familiar words I already understood, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” 

It was a lightbulb moment for me. I had known the question in the context of the Passover Seder, the Exodus, the familiar story from from childhood. Now I heard it in the context of the imminent betrayal of my Messiah.

This night was different from all other nights because the sacrifice would be made for the sins of the world, past, present and future.

This night was different because Scripture’s prophesies were about to be fulfilled.

This night was different because the world would be forever changed. <<click to tweet>>

That’s why we call it Good Friday. It is a night different from all other nights. It was the night that we were redeemed.

Tonight, if you attend a Good Friday service, remember the question “Why is this night different from all other nights.” More importantly, remember the answer!

Susan_signature

Happy Resurrection Day!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

.

The door of the Garden Tomb, Jerusalem

“Why do you look for the living among the dead?” 

“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.”

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: 

Rejoice!“


Rejoice, dear friends! May this Resurrection Day usher in a year of peace and victory for you. May you walk closer than ever with our risen Lord day after day after day. 


1. Lk. 2:45
2. Mt. 28:6
3. Phil 4:4 

The Passover Question About Good Friday

Posted on by Susan Panzica


Part of the Passover Seder is the reading of the Four Questions. Usually this is done by the youngest boy, but when I was a child, my siblings were too young, so it was my job to recite – in Hebrew – the Four Questions. It is actually one question with four answers. 

Ma nishtanah halailah hazeh mikol haleilos?
Why is this night different from all other nights?
The answers:


On all other nights we eat leavened products and matzah,
and on this night only matzah.
On all other nights we eat all vegetables,
and on this night only bitter herbs.
On all other nights, we don’t dip our food even once,
and on this night we dip twice.
On all other nights we eat sitting or reclining,
and on this night we only recline.


When I saw the movie, “The Passion of the Christ” several years ago, I was stunned by one scene in particular, an ordinary scene that would not stand out to most of the viewers. In her home, Mary, the mother of Jesus, asked, “Ma nishtanah halailah hazeh mikol haleilos?” The subtitles displayed the familiar words I already understood, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” 
  
It was a lightbulb moment for me. I had known the question in the context of the Passover Seder, the Exodus, the familiar story from from childhood. Now I heard it in the context of the imminent betrayal of my Messiah. 
  
This night was different from all other nights because the sacrifice would be made for the sins of the world, past, present and future. 
  
This night was different because Scripture’s prophesies were about to be fulfilled. 
  
This night was different because the world would be forever changed. <<click to tweet>>
  
That’s why we call it Good Friday. It is a night different from all other nights. It was the night that we were redeemed. 

Tonight, if you attend a Good Friday service, remember the question “Why is this night different from all other nights.” More importantly, remember the answers! 

Seriously??

Posted on by Susan Panzica
The following is a guest post from Donna Bolster:

photo credit: Donna Bolster
Ah, spring is finally here! 
But what is this? 
Snow?  
On April 16??
SERIOUSLY??? 

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw my windshield, icy and crusty ~ certainly not what I expected! I was on a mission to get to work early. But this put a wrinkle in my plan.

Suddenly I thought about the women on a mission to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body for burial. They were probably thinking:
 
Ah, our Messiah is finally at peace. 
But what is this? 
The tomb is empty? 
On Sunday morning??
SERIOUSLY???

The women couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw it abandoned. It was certainly not what they expected. And it definitely put a wrinkle in their plan.

 
God wrinkles our plans with unexpected situations. Sometimes they are blessings; sometimes they come as trials; sometimes they hardly make any difference at all. But in every situation, God seeks to be glorified. He designs every situation to point us to Him. 

We can see His plans as wrinkles in our plans, or we can look for the blessings and hurry to tell everyone we know about the ways that He works, as those women did on that first Resurrection Day.
 
Well, all I know is that the snow cleaned all that nasty spring pollen off my car. And now it is gleaming almost as brightly as my resurrected Lord on that Sunday! I praise Him for all the situations in my life. Let me glorify Him, look toward Him and see the blessings in everything that comes my way.
 
Hallelujah! Happy Resurrection Day!

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Matt. 28:6-8

 


Donna’s personal mission statement is to continuously grow in God’s power and to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit in her daily life — in short, to be a good and faithful servant. She is a blessed wife, mother and grandmother, and a leader in her church and at her workplace.

In The Middle

Posted on by Susan Panzica

I wasn’t going to do it. I wasn’t going to share this today. I share it every year. I posted yesterday and have another (a special guest post!) for tomorrow. I don’t want to overflow your inbox. I just wasn’t going to share it again. 


But this morning, I woke up and knew I had to. I don’t know why or who it is that needs to read this. But I am not a morning person, and here I am – up way early with only one thought. Post it! So my friends, here it is (with a little editorial comment at the end). If it speaks to you, please let me know. 
photo credit: www.wayofthesea.wordpress.com




Today we are in the middle.
Yesterday was Good Friday –
the pain of suffering,
despair, heartache,
the event that left us full of tears
Tomorrow is Easter –
the joy of new life,
resurrection,
rising from the ashes of pain
Today we are just in the middle-
the preparing for tomorrow’s feast,
tomorrow’s worship,
tomorrow’s new garments


Do you ever feel – in the middle? Having experienced tragedy or loss, but waiting for the future hope and peace that is promised? We must wait, but not as those with no hope. It was while Jesus was waiting that He set the captives free.

When I was in Israel, one of the most powerful moments for me was at the Garden Tomb. I entered the empty tomb, and after my eyes adjusted to the darkness, saw the white garments folded on the stone bench. Turning to exit the tomb and enter the light, I saw a rough, wooden sign that read:

“He is not here;
he has risen,
just as he said.”
Matt. 28:6


Seeing those words in that place was a powerful reminder that He has risen. The full verse includes the words JUST AS HE SAID! So what else did He say?

We have been healed:“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”-1 Peter 2:24

We have a future:“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11


So we must:“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Titus 1:2“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3


Today, while still in the middle, this is my prayer for you:“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

May you have a most blessed Resurrection Day! May you rejoice with Him who rose from the dead to give you eternal life, who endured the darkness to bring us with Him into the light. And may you be preparing for the ultimate feast, worship and garments yet to come!! 

—
So my friends, that’s the post. My heart is grieving for a family that suffered a tragic loss. They are in the dark Saturday tomb and have lost hope for the future. They aren’t preparing for a glorious tomorrow. They are clinging to the pain of today. Perhaps you are in that place too or know someone stuck in their dark night of the soul, a place we are meant to transverse, not dwell.


The angels at the tomb asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee…” Lk. 24:5-6 

Oh that we could stop looking among the dead, in the dark, but remember and cling to what He told us, the hope for the future. 


Today let us pray together that you and they and we all may remember the truth He told us and catch of glimmer of the glorious hope to come. 

The Garden Tomb –
a haven of tranquility and one of my 2 favorite places in Israel
photo credit: http://genebrooks.blogspot.com/
To the left behind the metal bars is a stone “bed” with white linen clothes folded neatly at the end.
Through the door outside, behind the railing, is where we shared communion.



What’s Good About Good Friday?

Posted on by Susan Panzica



The following passage from Isaiah 53 paints a picture of the “Suffering Savior.” Written 600 years before Jesus the Savior faced that ungrateful crowd and was condemned to die a criminal’s death, the prophet Isaiah penned these words:


He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he took up our griefs and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Is. 53:3-5)

Yet was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand….
After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, … because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Is. 53:10-12)

As Christians, we are aware that on the cross Jesus, who knew no sin, bore our sins (iniquities) allowing us to be forgiven and to have fellowship with God restored.

But have you noticed that He also bore our sorrows? In verse 4, we see that He bore our griefs and our sorrows. What a comfort to know that when we cannot bear our sorrows, He has borne them for us. We can surrender our pain, our suffering, our sadness, our despair to His loving presence. There is nothing too tough, too hard, too depressing, too painful for Him.

And in verse 11, we see that after His suffering, He was satisfied! Satisfied!! How amazing is that! He didn’t curse those who caused His pain. No, He came out the other side victorious, and that is what is so good about Good Friday. His victory becomes our victory when we trust in the One who bore our penalty and our sorrows.
Christ died for us while we were still sinners, long before we ever repented or asked for forgiveness. He died for those still screaming, “Crucify him!” and He prayed “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” But it seems to me that they did know what they were doing, didn’t they? They were calling for His death. What they did not know was WHO they were doing it to, and WHAT His death would accomplish for them.
Is there someone in your life causing you pain? Consider this – that person is giving you an opportunity to develop Christ-likeness that you would not have otherwise.

If we can see the offensive person in our life as Jesus does, and if we can forgive them as He did, we will be freed from the bondage of resentment and bitterness and will become a little more like Jesus. And to think that painful person is giving us such a sweet opportunity!

If your day today is dark and difficult, like that Friday 2000 years ago, remember it’s temporary, whether it seems it or not. A seed buried in the darkness of soil is transforming, growing, softening, breaking its tough outer husk, and at the right time will burst forth gloriously into the light. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied… And so my dear friend will you! 
May that encourage you today and in the days to come.