You are welcome to another period that reminds us of one of the important and basic tenets of the Christian Faith, Easter, the period when Christ suffered excruciating pains to the point of death; even death by hanging. Possibly the most disgraceful and humiliating way to die, especially in his days. Yet the pains and the humiliating death he experienced was not for anything wrong that he did, but for the sake of the lost human race that needed restoration back to a sweet fellowship with God their Creator. He went through all of that to free mankind from the shackles of sin and its attendant effect not only on the human race but on the entire creation.

But this period does not only remind us of the pains and disgrace Christ went through all the way to calvary and as he hung on the cross, otherwise like Apostle Paul would say: “we are of all men most miserable” (1Corinth15:19). For if Christ had died without resurrecting, it would have meant that we have hope only in this life if at all we would have had any. Easter is a period that we celebrate the resurrected Savior, the one who triumphed over death, over principalities and powers, over sicknesses and diseases, and led captivity captive.

Indeed in his death, he bore all our iniquities and infirmities. He bore all our shame and disgrace. He redeemed us from the coming wrath of God, reserved for the devil and the sons of disobedience. And upon Him was the chastisement for our sins laid. His resurrection has given us hope in the midst of hopelessness, peace in the midst of chaos, and life, and this in abundance, in the place of death, even eternal death. His resurrection has translated us from estranged enemies of God into his dearly beloved children; from unworthy servants into royal priesthood; and from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. Hallelujah to the Lamb that was slain, now the Lion of the tribe of Judah in whose hand belongs the scepter of the son of Jesse. To Him who has made a public show of the Devil and his agents belong all the glory and honour and praise forever and ever. Amen.

While the world might be confused and live in despair as a result of the global pandemic referred to as Corona Virus or COVID-19 which has brought the world almost to a standstill; the church should not only be at rest on the peace and hope that the death and resurrection of Jesus has brought to us but should use this period to spread this blessing to the lost world. It is a time for us to spread the message of hope to the dying souls. A message of peace to a confused world and to shine forth the light of His glory through our works and where possible, our words. I implore us as believers to use this period to demonstrate the love of God by reaching out to the needy around us. Let us be good ambassadors of the kingdom we represent by abiding by the rules and directives of the Government and other relevant authorities even as we seek opportunities to do good.

Above all let us spend time in prayers for the victims of this epidemic that God will heal them and comfort those who have lost their loved ones as a result of this disease. Let us pray for peace in our land and the world at large, pray that this lockdown will not crumble our economy.

On this note, I say Happy Easter to you and yours. It is my prayer that you will not only enjoy the blessings of this Easter but will serve as a channel of blessing to others too. Once again, Happy Easter!

Rex Onuh

National Director

Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES)