Note: I wrote this a few days before Easter.

Many will write about the meaning of Easter this week. Don and I look forward to celebrating the many ways Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection has changed our lives, and the world. Let’s talk about women today.

God the Father and Jesus recognized and affirmed women

• Rahab, a prostitute mentioned in the Old Testament, lived in the city of Jericho. Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land, Joshua sent two spies to scout out the area. They stayed in Rahab’s home and, when the king of Jericho commanded her to bring the spies out, she let them down in a basket from her window on the wall of the city. Later, when Israel overtook Jericho, the Israelites spared Rahab and her family for her courage in protecting them. (Joshua 2)
• Dorcas was known for weaving clothing to give to widows in need. When she died, there was great grief in the church. Peter, by the power of God, raised her from death. (Acts 9:36-43)
• Lydia, a merchant, worked with purple-dyed goods, which were very costly. She invited Paul, Luke and their companions to make her house their headquarters. Here’s a fun read on what her LinkedIn profile might look like.

There are many others, like Ruth (Ruth 1-4), who left her homeland to follow her mother-in-law and the Israelite God back to Israel, where she married Boaz and become one of Jesus’ ancestors.

These stories tell us several things

1. God treasures men and women and uses both in His kingdom.
2. He welcomes any nationality, race, ethnicity, into His kingdom if we will only put our trust in the redemption He purchased for us on that cruel cross. There’s a song that says, “He died on a tree He had made.” He humbled Himself to take the punishment I deserve for my sins so I could be free.

There’s Hope

Another song says … “Friday’s here … but Sunday’s comin’!” What grace that His amazing life and ministry didn’t stop at Jesus’ death.  Instead, He conquered the power of death and promises us eternal life if we put our trust in Him.

Don and I just returned from a lovely, relaxing river cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers (Lewis and Clark territory.) The trees along the shore were a lush green, the waters a rippling blue. Evidence of God’s creation was all around us.

Fighting Depression

After my mother died five years ago, I fought depression and anxiety. Our country faced, and continues to face, enormous hostility. With help, I realized that my trust is not in my government, although I pray for God’s wisdom for those in authority to follow Judeo-Christian values on which this country was founded as they make policy decisions.

Peace returned. Do I have questions?

Of course. But He is God, and I am not. One day we will understand it all, if we have received Christ’s death and resurrection on our behalf.

Meeting Fellow Christ-Followers

It was encouraging to meet people serving aboard the ship, as well as fellow travelers, who are also Christ-followers.

• Carrie and her husband lost their jobs at the same time, so needed a new source of income. She signed on with the riverboat, and he began another job. She trusts God to lead them and is determined to serve those onboard to the glory of God.
• Sher, our housekeeper, is a darling African American with a warm and welcoming smile. Every evening, she would come into the game room to see what we were playing that night. The second to last morning we gave her a tip and a small “Jesus” that reads “Jesus loves you.” She brightened. “Oh, I believe that. Thank you.”
• At the airport, we sat next to another couple. When we hugged JoAnn and Joe, our friends, goodbye, the woman next to me asked if JoAnn and I were sisters. I said no, but told her we met doing mission/service work at a Mexican orphanage. She told us of a young Rwandan who came to the US to study, and then returned to his country to teach others. Evidently, he began working in some orphanages and they now have about 10,000 orphans in their care (different locations, I assume). We thanked God together for what He is doing in our world, often things we never hear in the news!

Celebrate the Real Easter

These and others will celebrate the real reason for Easter with us. Not cute bunnies or lots of chocolate, although I like both. But we will rejoice in the God who loved us deeply enough to send His beloved Son to become one of us, to show us the Father.

See my post, “Betrayal and New Life.”

“Jesus lived the life I couldn’t live; and died the death I should have died.”

—Pastor Tim Wood

If you don’t know Jesus Christ personally, won’t you make that choice today? His heart is for reconciliation with all, but we each have a choice to accept or reject the eternal life He offers us. Jesus was quite clear that he and the Father are one. Either He spoke truth or He was a lunatic and a liar.

If you have questions, I’d love to communicate with you.

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

—John 14:6