Easter, Savannah Guthrie, Tiger Woods and You
Dr. Glenn Mollette
Millions of people around the world will celebrate Easter on Sunday.
When I was a child, I enjoyed watching my mother color eggs. She would boil them, let them cool and the color them. Numerous family members would gather at my grandparents and we would hide and hunt Easter eggs.
When I was fifteen, I became a Christian. Easter took on a new meaning. I heard the story about Jesus who came to earth and lived a sinless life. He was crucified on a rugged cross and buried in a borrowed tomb. I heard the story about how the tomb could not contain Jesus and on the third day he arose from the grave. He revealed himself to his mother, other women and his disciples. According to the story, He was also seen by hundreds more. He later arose into heaven accompanied by angels who promised Jesus would return some day in a like manner.
The Easter story of the resurrection is the foundational truth of the Christian faith. Without it, Christianity is nothing but another religion. The resurrection is what empowered the disciples to die for the message Jesus told them to preach. If they had not seen and touched Jesus after his crucifixion they would never have had the boldness to die for what they knew was true. Jesus’ resurrection changed their lives radically. They were down, depressed and felt that their lives had been wasted. When they saw Jesus, everything changed. Their lives were filled with power and courage unlike anything the world had ever seen.
Savannah Guthrie has this kind of power. It’s not the kind of power the world gives. She has this strength and courage because she has truly experienced Easter. The risen Jesus is real and personal to her. Many people would find it impossible to face a national audience after what Guthrie has experienced through the loss of her mother. Yet, her joy and strength are in the real meaning of Easter. There is life after death. Surely she has died emotionally a hundred times in recent weeks, but she has strength in the person and message of Easter.
Tiger Woods is a global golfing champion and known around the world. Sadly, his life in recent years has been filled with car wrecks, driving intoxicated, arrests and many personal struggles. He has endured multiple surgeries, divorce and bad choices. He needs help. The story of Easter is the story Tiger needs, very badly. I am sure he needs medical help and serious counseling but he needs the message of Easter. He needs a dramatic change in his life.
The Easter story is about meaningful change and meaningful life. It’s about resurrection and life beyond the grave. If anyone needs a resurrection, it’s Tiger Woods. The story of Jesus’ resurrection and his message of love and forgiveness is what will save us, help us and see us through. It will also bring Tiger Woods back to life and see him through, if he will embrace the powerful message of Easter.
What about you? Have you embraced the wondrous message and story of Easter?
Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated columnist read in all fifty states. He is also the author of numerous books and can be hear each weekday morning on XM Radio 131
