Bible Thoughts

April 4, 1999

On this day, April 4, many in the religious world will be having special services for the celebration of what they choose to call "Easter." Such an observance is not commanded nor authorized in the New Testament. In fact, the word appears only once in the King James version in Acts 12:4. It is unfortunate, indeed, that the original language was so translated. The Greek word that appears in this passage is pasca(pascha). This word, correctly translated, is passover(as seen in other translations). While the translators may have felt they had done correctly in the verse, it has caused difficulty among some religious people who are not familiar with the original word and its translation. The passover feast of the Jews was observed in a month corresponding to our April. Perhaps this was why the translators used Easter instead of Passover: the time of the year being roughly the same.

The example and the commands that we have from the New Testament informs Christians on when, where, and how to remember the Lord's death. The example, found in Acts 20:7, states plainly that the disciples came together on the first day of the week(that is Sunday) to "break bread." This communion took place in the assembly, as is evident from I Corinthians 11:17-20 where they are rebuked for turning the Lord's Supper into a common supper in the assembly. Paul instructs them in the same chapter(v. 23-26) as to how they are to observe this sacred feast.

There are other points that are evident from the passages that speak of the Lord's Supper. It is to be done, not monthly or yearly or daily, but upon the first day of the week(and each week has a first day). Each Christian is to partake of the supper(I Corinthians 11:33). They took both the bread and fruit of the vine. Full participation was not limited to the "clergy" as some condone and practice.

Following the Lord's instructions, each first of the week all Christians assemble with other Christians to remember the death, burial and resurrection of God's Son. Faithful disciples will let nothing, that is under their control, hinder them from this memorial.

The world chooses to make a religious holiday out of a Spring first day of the week. All kinds of pageants and observances are practiced in trying to give honor to Jesus Christ. However noble may be one's intentions, there is still no authority for setting aside one day of the year to have a "special observance" of the Lord's resurrection.

Where is the Christian in all of this? It is obvious that we are all affected, to some degree, by the actions and observances of the world. We do not approve of the reason for many of these celebrations, but find ourselves caught in a dilemma. What can we do?

1. We can continue to observe the resurrection of Christ on the first day of the week as instructed, letting nothing hinder us from the observance(if it is in our power to be present--no excuses, only reasons).

2. We can avoid the excesses of the world that are associated with most of the holidays. People who live without restraint will pay the price for their foolishness. Wisdom should be shown in one's spending, indulgence and activities during a holiday season. Moderation is the word for disciples of Christ.

3. We can use the opportunity offered by a holiday season to enjoy our families and friends. Whatever be the occasion, it is never wrong to gather with family and with those whom we respect in order to enjoy one another and to grow closer together. As Christians, we can take advantage of the freedom of our country and the release of our time from other duties to increase our love and honor of one another(Romans 12:10). While worldly observation of holidays often results in unpleasant consequences, the servant of God is provided with time spent together that increases and strengthens the ties among those who love the Lord.

4. During holidays, one can relax and be free of the cares and burdens that press upon each Christian in his/her daily routines. Even Jesus found it necessary to go away into places where he could relax and refresh himself. He went into the wilderness to pray(Luke 5:16). He went to the homes of different people of his day; this took him away from the multitudes as well as the leaders of the Jews, who pressed upon him daily. One does not have to have a special day to do such, but the holidays do offer a time when one can be refreshed and enjoy the moment.

5. The Christian is not a part of the world but must live in the world. Using wisdom and discernment in one's behavior during the periods the world has set aside for various holidays, one can still enjoy the benefits of these holidays in a scriptural and moral manner. Jesus enjoyed being in the homes of others, talking with them, eating with them, and being "human." So can we.