2015 Easter Message to Mid-Atlantic Archdeaconry

The Resurrection – A Great Blessing and Reward For Eternity

Our mother once told us of a prominent Lagos family, well endowed. This family had a child who was not allowed to go through suffering. When he was in the elementary school, at break time, a nanny would bring lunch from home, set a table for him and take back the remnant. He was treated like a prince. Enough money was kept for his education, even to medical school. However, he barely struggled to finish high school.

Recently, one of our parishioners told us how the Jakande school system was very beneficial to him, even though many of us thought it was a sham. He was from a poor background and needed to sell some food items in the morning, before preparing for evening school. This was very hectic and would cause him to sleep in the class most times. However, the morning school changed his life; his brilliance came alive and made it possible for him to be an accountant today.

 In these stories, we see a child who had all the resources to accede to a great height in life, but did not use the opportunity; and another one who used the little opportunity in life to be what the LORD has made of him today, a success in his profession and a prominent servant of God.

The same is true of our spiritual life. The resurrection of Christ has opened to us the Holy of holies, which only the High Priest entered once each year with the blood of bulls; but Christ’s entered with His own Blood once for all, so that all would have access to the Throne of Grace, without limitations. – Hebrews 9: 11 – 14

It was indeed amazing, when Christ arose from the dead on the third day, the apostles were exceedingly joyful and their faith was instantly strengthened. All Jesus had taught them, all the miracles He had done and everything He did to prepare them for life after death became meaningful and purposeful. For this reason, they were prepared to suffer and die for the sake of the Gospel. They were no longer afraid of their detractors and persecutors. They gave their lives completely to Him. The Lord did not hesitate to tell them that they would occupy significant positions in His kingdom. – Matthew 19: 27 – 29

The resurrection changed the apostles’ lives because it is real and all who genuinely give their lives and commit to Christ would experience the same. But the Lord wants the best for us and demands the best from us. Are you giving Him your best? Are my giving Him my best?

May the risen Christ rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit within us, so that we could give Him our best, from this Easter and beyond. Amen.

Dokun++ (On Behalf of the Diocesan)

Ven Dr. Dokun Adewunmi
Archdeacon