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Mar 30, 2023 06:00am

Almost

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“He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise from death to life.” – Luke 24:6-7 (AMP)

We live in the land of “almosts”. It’s a sad word that’s a cousin of “nearly” or “just about”, and smacks of fumbled chances and missed opportunities. As long as there have been people, there have been “almosts”. Have you heard statements such as, “He almost made the Big Leagues” or “The doctor said you almost beat the odds”? How about… “The fish I landed was almost as long as the pole!” or “She almost wont the election”. Okay, seldom does one take a fisherman or a loud politician boasting seriously, but what if the Easter story had been about “almosts”? What if Jesus paid for almost all of our sins, or Christ almost rose from the dead? Would it make a difference? It did for Agrippa when he was almost persuaded by Paul to become a Christian (Acts 26:28). It makes an eternal one! “Almosts” make huge differences in our choices, as well.

So what makes us “almost” people? Perhaps it’s good intentions instead of commitment. Maybe its fear or pride instead of bowing to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. The voices we listen to can also whisper “almosts”… “One time won’t hurt.” “No one will ever know.” “Let someone else serve, witness, or be inconvenienced.” Sadly, washing your hands a million times will not free you from the guilt and remorse of an opportunity ignored…just ask Pilate!

As you gather to hide eggs, indulge in the calories with family, and snap the photos in your new Easter duds, will you “almost” remember the real reason for Easter? Will your gathering include a nod to the cross and the empty tomb or will those eternal truths be the centerpiece of your celebration? Don’t resemble the innkeeper at Jesus’ birth…that almost had room for Him. Make certain that you always prepare a place of honor for Jesus in your Easter celebration. He will always be glad you did!