Vernal Equinox

        “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines  the   commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men........   Mark 7:7-8

Well, it has arrived - the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox.  Otherwise known in the realm of man-made holidays, Easter Sunday.  Even though, as far as the Gospel is concerned, this particular Sunday is of no more significance than any other Sunday, much of the “religious world” celebrates it as such.  It’s “special” only because man has made it so. 

A direct effect of the traditions of man, especially when they involve religious events, is that the aforementioned “religious world” believes them to be true.   It believes that this particular Sunday is more “special” than any other Sunday which in turn adds even more “traditions” to this day. 

And, in my way of thinking, these added “traditions” somehow involve some type of commercial aspects.  For example, one can’t go to church in the same old clothes you wore last year.  You must be adorned in new ones and they must be in keeping with the latest fashions.  And, you can’t just follow your normal diet, you have to either prepare a “traditional” meal at home or join millions of others at a fancy restaurant.

Speaking of the “religious world” believing traditional things relating to Easter to be true, I heard a radio personality asking people on the street about certain practices done at Easter time.  One question asked was regarding “Easter eggs” and their origin.  One person actually believed that they were from the scriptures and instituted by Jesus.  Many interviewees knew that this day was somehow connected to Jesus, but really didn’t know how or why.  But, that it is “special” and we need to observe it as such.

Another troubling aspect of making this a “special Sunday” is that people see all other Sundays as not being important.  The subsequent result of that impression is that it isn’t as important to attend worship services on just “run-of-the-mill” Sundays.   With that kind of thinking, a person only has to attend on this “special” Sunday and everything will be alright with God. 

I mean, I’ve bought my new clothes.  I’ve even gone the extra mile and attended a “Sunrise Service” and possibly even a religious “pageant.”  I’ve participated in the “special days” preceding Easter Sunday, such as, “Ash Wednesday” and “Good Friday.”  (More of man’s traditions).  That ought to be sufficient, religious-wise, for this year, shouldn’t it?

No, I’m sorry to inform you that attending a “passion play” or a worship service, even if it’s on a “special Sunday,” is not sufficient as far as the Scriptures are concerned.  I base that statement on what I read in the Gospel.  Counter to what man has taught by his “traditions” I note that Christ defines for us what true worship is when He says in John 4:24 that we are to worship God in “spirit and in truth.”   And how did we get that “truth?”  “... but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”   (John 1:17)

Here’s the point of what I’m saying, wrapped up in one short verse. “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.”  (John 17:17)   We are “sanctified” (purified or made holy) by following the “truth” delivered to the world by Jesus Christ.  Not by following any “traditions” of men, even if they are of a “religious” nature.

Plus, if you want to know what Christ thought about “religious” sounding “traditions” you only have to look at what He said to and about the Pharisees and their “traditions.”  When you read the following passage, keep in mind what we’ve already discussed: that God’s Word is “truth” as you read it: “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered; and many such like things ye do.”  (Mark 7:13)

The Word of God does command that we remember and celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ EVERY first day of the week and not just one “special” Sunday per year.  And nowhere are we told that any one first day of the week is more “special” than the others.

Something that may cause some to think that “Easter” has a Biblical basis for being observed is because, in the King James translation of the Bible is found the word “Easter” in Acts 12:4.  Here’s something you might be interested in knowing.  That Greek word (Pascha) is used 29 times in the New Testament and is translated as “Passover” in 28 of them.  Only once and in the KJV is it called “Easter.”  All other times and translations it is “Passover.”

In wrapping up today’s thoughts I’m reminded of a movie that came out in 1973 entitled “Jesus Christ Superstar.”  It’s a scene from that movie that leads me to my closing remarks.  That scene is where Jesus is making His triumphant entry into Jerusalem just a few days before His crucifixion.  (Can read it in Matt. 21)

In the movie, the crowd is waving palm fronds and singing “Christ you know I love you, did you see I waved?”  Allow me to extrapolate that scene to today and our thoughts on the world’s observation of “Easter.”  I can visualize the “crowd” today singing “Jesus you know I love you.  Did you see my new clothes and that I attended a worship service today?”

Respectfully submitted,

Ron Covey