“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). But not only was he the servant of his people while he lived on earth, he will also be our servant when he comes again: “Truly, I say to you, he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve them” (Luke 12:37). Not only that, he is our servant now: “‘I will never fail you nor forsake you.’ Hence we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?”

Does this belittle the risen Christ—to say that he was and is and will ever be the servant of his people? It would, if “servant” meant “one who takes orders,” or if we thought we were his masters. Yes, that would dishonor him. But it does not dishonor him to say that we are weak and needy. It does not dishonor him to say that he is the only one who can service us with what we need most. It does not dishonor him to say that he is an inexhaustible spring of love, and that the more he helps us and the more we depend on his service the more amazing his resources appear. Therefore, we can confidently say…

“Jesus Christ is alive to serve!”

He is alive to save. He is alive to give. And he is thrilled to be this way. He is not burdened down with your cares. He thrives on burden-bearing. He loves to “work for those who wait for him” (Isaiah 64:4). He “takes pleasure in those who hope in his steadfast love” (Psalm 147:11). His “eyes run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show his might on behalf of those whose heart is whole toward him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). Jesus Christ is exuberant with omnipotent service for the sake of all who trust him.

This is the message your guests will hear on Easter Sunday morning. You could call them up and say, “I just found out our pastor is going to talk about why the resurrection of Jesus means that he is our servant rather than us being his servant. Does that sound interesting?”

But now let’s think about your own happiness this Easter. We know what makes Jesus happy—serving you with his infinite resources. How about you? What would make you happy? Answer: serving others! “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). So here are some ways to increase your joy:

1. Invite some unbelievers and bring them with you on Easter.
2. Pray with us some morning during holy week (April 9-13). I will be at the church with some others every morning praying for you and for the service and for your unbelieving friends. Join me Monday - Thursday from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM and Friday from 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM.
3. Join us for concerted prayer before the service at Bethel in room FA 313. The room will be open from 8:00 AM to 9:45 for prayer. Come any time leading up to the service and plead for God’s powerful blessing that morning.
4. Call Dean at church and volunteer to help set up chairs Thursday, April 12 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 or to help take down chairs Sunday, April 15 from after the service until 2:00 PM.
5. Call Joan at the church and ask if she still needs helpers for the nursery. This is an utterly crucial ministry to the guests. They will be moved if we give their children the best care during the service.

May the Lord fill you with joy and peace in serving!

The Lord is risen!

P.S. The singing of contemporary music begins early at 9:45 AM on Easter. You are not late to walk in during this singing. But if you want it all, come early.