Journey to Jerusalem

Journey to Jerusalem

Easter is on April 12^th this year. Last year, it was on April 21^st. In 2018, Easter was on April 1^st. Confused? Here’s the deal.

Christ's death and resurrection occurred at the time of the Jewish Passover, which was celebrated on the first Full Moon following the vernal equinox. This soon led different Christians to celebrate Easter on different dates. Some places celebrated on Passover. Others celebrated on the Sunday after Passover.

In 325 ad, the Council of Nicaea established a uniform way to determine the date of Easter. Easter would be observed on the first Sunday after the first Full Moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox, but not before March 22 or after April 25. Still confused? No problem—just check a calendar.

While the dating of Easter can be bewildering, the story of Easter is breathtaking. On a Friday, the man Jesus was crucified and placed in a guarded vault. On Sunday, he was alive and interacting with his awe-struck friends. Even more amazing is that Jesus had said in advance, several times, that this would happen.

It was a pivot point in history. The resurrection of Jesus validated everything Jesus taught, including his own divinity. God had entered history to seek and save the lost and to begin healing a broken world. What else is there to do except celebrate?

Actually, the resurrection of Jesus is cause for more than celebration. His call for a different kind of life, a life like his, should move us toward self-examination, confession, repentance and amendment of life. That is the essence of the season before Easter known as Lent. This devotional is designed to assist you in that quest.

I have read many devotionals. Few, if any, can compare with our Journey devotionals. If you use this one faithfully and pray the prayers, you will grow in Christlikeness. It is that good.

Our team is Joey Alge, Mikah Alge, Bill Barr, Henry Covert, Karen Henson, Luke Kunefke, Rita Lanham, Linda Lundquist, Bill Russell and me. Our publisher, Bill Russell, is truly a sacrificial servant of our Lord. Please thank him for making this come together. It is a big, big job.