On the Back Porch

April this year finds that spring has arrived, and Easter Day will occur on Sunday, April 12. The old timers say, “If it thunders in February, it will frost on that day in April.”

We had a thunderstorm of major proportions on February 4th …soooo…what will April bring? The old timers also say, “April showers bring May flowers.” Let’s hope the showers come.

This year, we must celebrate Easter carefully, as we strive to protect ourselves and others from this worldwide menace that is known as Covid-19 or Coronavirus. But the Glory of Easter will
be celebrated! That means that family and/or public gatherings, and this includes church services, must be conducted differently.

First Baptist Marlin plans a drive up in the parking lot, stay in your car, gathering as we listen to Brother Judd preach an Easter message. Other will be just as creative. Worship in your own way as we celebrate this great Christian holiday. Stay safe!
Have you ever wondered how folks know what day Easter Sunday will fall on?

There is a formula that sets the date. Now, the method of calculating the date for the Easter Celebration has seen some changes over the years, but we currently determine the date as the Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon that occurs after the vernal equinox. March 19 th was the first day of spring or the vernal equinox. The full moon occurred April 7. So, Easter Sunday will be April 12th. This observance of Easter which is based on the Hebrew Passover has experienced many changes with its timing since the followers of Jesus did not properly document the date of the crucifixion. Jesus became the perfect Passover sacrifice since he was crucified in Jerusalem at the time of the Passover. The Bible (John 1:29) shows that John the Baptist, upon seeing Jesus coming toward him said, "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world."

Christians honor the death and resurrection of Jesus as we celebrate Easter.

1 Peter 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”
This is a poem that I wrote to commemorate the Easter Celebration.

EASTER SUNRISE
The dawn is breakin’ in the East with sunbeams bright as gold,
just like the morn at Jesus’ tomb, the story that we’re told.
Our Savior died upon the Cross, tho’ sinless man was he,
To justify the sins of man an’ set each of us free.
As Jesus prayed at Gethsemane, the sins of man he bought.
The chief priests came to Jesus there, false evidence they sought.
Brought to Pilate, the Governor, to answer here this day,
“Are you the King of all the Jews?” “Yes, it is as you say.”
“I will release one prisoner”, Pilate spoke to the crowd,

“Be it this man or Barabbas?” The people shouted loud,
“Barabbas, release Barabbas!” “But what of this Jesus?”
The crowd shouted, “Crucify him!” Pilate settled the fuss.
Had him flogged, prepared for the cross, an’ sent him to the Golgotha Hill,
the Place of the Skull. Prophecy to fulfill.
They forced him to Golgotha’s peak, an’ nailed him to the cross.
They called to him to save himself, seek pardon from the Boss.
Darkness came over all the land. The ninth hour he did say,
“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me this day?”
Then Jesus gave up his spirit. The temple curtain split.
The Earth shook, tomb stones rolled away, His Life He did commit.
The rich man, Joseph, gave his tomb to Jesus there that day.
Wrapped in fresh clean linen, in the tomb, Jesus’ body lay.
The Pharisees said to Pilate, Sir, that deceiver said,
“In three days I will rise again’” “Secure his tomb”, they pled.
They put a seal upon that stone with guard to be complete.
The Angel of the Lord came down, rolled the stone an’ took a seat.
The dawn is breakin’ in the East with sunbeams bright as gold.
As the two Marys took the path toward the tomb so bold.
But found the stone was rolled away, an Angel they did see.
Proclaimed that the Lord had risen as in the prophecy.
“Be not afraid”, the angel said, “But come see where he lay.
For he has risen from the grave and walks with you today.
You are to tell his disciples the miracle this day.
Now he journeys to Galilee, for not long he will stay,
Then appear to the eleven, their shaky faith to prod.
An’ soon will ascend to heaven; sit at the right hand of God.”
The women quickly went away, afraid, yet filled with joy.
They hurried on to Galilee with news they must deploy.
Eleven went to mountainside where Jesus came to them.
He gave them all a job to do, an’ then they worshipped Him.
He sent them to baptize nations, His teachin’s to engage.
“Surely I am with you always. To the end of the age.”
 

© Ol’ Jim Cathey
 

Luke 24:7 The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified,
and the third day rise again.

God bless each of you and God Bless America!