Two thousand years ago in the Middle East, an event occurred that permanently changed the world. Because of that event, history was split. Every time you write a date, you’re using Jesus Christ as the focal point.
Did Jesus come just to change our calendar? What did He really hope to change when He lived, died and rose from the dead?
I believe He was hoping to change our life now and our eternal destiny. It was out of the Father’s love for this whole world that Jesus came so that whoever believed in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus also talked about our life now. There is an enemy here to steal, kill and destroy our lives—but Jesus came so that we could experience life in its fullness. [pullquote]
But are we experiencing this fullness that He offered?
I was in the country of Laos last month. Laos is a small landlocked country in Southeast Asia bordering on Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), China, Vietnam and Cambodia. Laos has a population of 7 million people, mostly Buddhist, with just over 1000 Adventists.
What stood out to me about Laos is how honest and respectful people are to one another. There is no security in shops or even in banks. I saw a restaurant owner carrying around a large amount of money in her apron. Tourists walked around safely at night.
I think back to our “Christian” countries in the Pacific where, of course, we must have security in almost every place. You can’t carry cash around in public. We have certainly allowed the enemy to steal, kill and destroy our societies. Jesus wants us to love and care for one another and make our countries the best places to be. He has got the best offer for a better life, better family and better society.
As we celebrate Easter, may we allow Him to have an influence in how we live—in our lives, our family and our society.
Maveni Kaufononga is president of the Trans-Pacific Union Mission.
