No Resurrection Without the Cross

I don’t know who said it first, but the sentence came to me as I was preparing this MOMENT newsletter and it made me reflect.

“There is no resurrection without the cross” or

“No Easter Sunday without Good Friday!”

I LOVE the message of the resurrection. The victory Jesus won over death and everything broken in this world.

I wish that I could only focus on the victory - just the fun, winning part.
But that is not life.

In this world we sometimes need to die - understood as surrender - in order to find victory. 

I will not experience victory over e.g., hate, envy or body shame without surrendering my need for revenge, attention or a certain body size. 

Is there anything you need to surrender today? 

It might be things that you find justified, like: “She owes me an apology!”. 

The story of Easter has many layers but here I just want to remind you - and myself - that surrender is exactly what Jesus did on the cross. He surrendered his life, so I can live.

I believe that he rose again, so he can help me surrender, or let go of “what I feel I have earned the right to”. Jesus is here to offer me victory - through grace - by listening to his voice. The voice that often takes another perspective on things in this world.

Child’s pose is such a beautiful posture of surrender.

How about you join me today on your knees, palms open and a prayer.

Jesus I surrender MY way. 
My need for control and success. 
I surrender my family and relationships to you.
I surrender my body, soul and mind.
Help me live in your victory. 
Thank you that you won on Easter morning and opened the path to heaven!