The Aftermath of Easter

Words are fun! I love to research their origins and history. Take for example the word "aftermath." Today's most common use of this noun is to refer to something that results or follows from an event, especially one of a disastrous or unfortunate nature. (the aftermath of war; the aftermath of the flood.) However, in the early 1500's, "mǣth" was an Old English word that meant "a mowing." Originally, "aftermath" referred to the second crop of grass grown following the harvesting of the first crop of grass in the same season.

We just celebrated the most significant event in the church calendar - the resurrection of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Easter services were wonderful! The church was full to the brim; with people, with praise, with the Spirit's presence, with the sound of breaking chains, with new growth. There were many cards submitted with our responses to what chains were binding us as we entered the service and what a difference it made to be set free from those chains. Praise be to God!

I encourage you to make time daily to consider the "aftermath." Will you choose continued growth and additional harvest in your spiritual life, or will you inadvertently pick up the same chains that you so joyfully threw off this past weekend?

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. 1 Peter 5:7-9