The Easter Bunny Did Not Rise from the Dead

As my son Joseph and I were working on an Easter message for the church sign we found this quote “The Easter Bunny did not rise from the dead.” We had a good laugh over that, and then started thinking about it. Joseph suggested I put in the weekly devotional. So I started thinking about it more.

That silly little phrase actually helped me think about Easter and its practical implications for living today. The implications come out of the fact that after Jesus Christ died on the Cross for us, after he was buried, and after the tomb was sealed, he rose from the dead and still lives. He is the only one to do this!

Because he did this, it validated his assertion of divinity and authority. As Paul relates: “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus … who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord” {Romans 1:1a, 4}

This means I can put my trust in a living, powerful God not a dead imitation. As I thought about that phrase, I saw how the Easter Bunny could represent anything that substitutes for God in our lives. Just like some use it as a substitute for Christ at Easter. We are to give God our total devotion and trust. However, many people give that to the other substitutes, things like devotion to food. When you have a problem do you go to God for comfort or do you indulge in a big meal? With others it is shopping, a car, you name it. Where do you turn for help, who or what do you trust in those situations? Your job, your wits, your connections, your bank account, again you name it. All those potentially good things can be substitutes for God.

Unfortunately, like the Easter Bunny, none of those comes through for you like God can. Just to use one example: Which of them can hear your prayers, care for your concerns, and then do something? Also, using them as substitutes for God involves you in the sin of idolatry! That one puts you in big trouble! I am concerned that many people are in that trouble and are not even aware of it.

While people can and do devote their lives to all kinds of things are those really worthy of being the number one item in their lives? Obviously, some people think so, but are they right? Here again go back to the Resurrection. God the Son rose from the dead and later ascended to Heaven. That transformed the lives of his disciples and continues to transform lives today. That has had a decisive impact on history. We can work with excellence at many vocations, but devotion belongs to God not the Easter Bunny or any other substitute.

Paul makes an incredible statement in 2 Timothy 1:12, “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” When Christ returns who or what will be guarding you.

Personally, I am very glad that I could celebrate Resurrection Sunday knowing that My God whom I chose to devote my life to did rise from the dead!

Reflect back on Easter and honestly think about what your life is centered on. Is it centered on Jesus Christ who conquered death or a substitute?

Written by Rev. Daniel Baker April 2004



Articles by Rev. Daniel B. Baker :: Webmaster: Joseph I. Baker