The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most pivotal moment in human history. One man, a carpenter's son who never journeyed more than 100 miles from his home, polarized all of humanity into believers and non-believers. Extremists and zealots kill in His name. The obscenity of Catholics and Protestants murdering one another, and “Christians” committing acts of genocide on Muslims are warped itinerant responses to the simple truth of the cross: He Came Back.

Why? I mean, we did not treat Him particularly well. We scarcely believed Him and who He claimed to be. He endured humiliation and unimaginable suffering, although he had committed no crime. And, when the pagan governor attempted to acquit him, we cried out for a convicted murderer instead. When He hung His head and died, He said, “It is finished,” (John 19:30). His suffering, His indignity, His humiliation was finally at an end. And yet, three days later...

...He Came Back.

To revisit people who scorned and hated him, who lied to Him and lied on Him. Who tortured and abused Him, falsely convicted Him and hammered spikes through Him. The word “resurrection” invokes the gloom of an empty tomb and the desperation of women crushed by the apparent desecration of a cherished loved one, only to find comfort in the Good News that, although they'd come seeking the dead, there was no dead to be found.

This is why I can’t abide Easter eggs and Easter bunnies and all those lies we, in our ignorance, continue to embrace. The sheer obscenity of a *pastor* arguing, vehemently, in favor of these pagan traditions—which blaspheme the very God we allegedly serve—is simply mind-boggling. These traditions spit on the cross Jesus suffered upon for us and for our salvation. They demean the very sanctity of the Gospel by co-mingling it with traditions gleaned from pagan fertility gods, thus reducing the King of kings to Just Another god Among Gods.

It is simply revolting that this day, of all days, finds us wallowing in our ignorance. If your church is hiding Easter eggs today, shame on you. Shame on your pastor. Embracing such things makes us an utter disgrace to the cross.

To Jesus Christ, our Lord, God of our salvation, be all glory and honor forever. Thank you, Lord, for Your suffering. Thank You, Lord, for your sacrifice. And thanks most of all for coming back.