Very few people would flat out describe life as meaningless. Anyone might have stretches where he or she has trouble finding some greater purpose in life, but likely would still say they are searching or hoping for meaning. Nobody wants to believe that they are walking around for no reason, or that all their efforts are in vain.

Christians have the enormous blessing of always being buoyed up with meaning in Christ. Life is meaningful just because we are following our risen Savior. It’s there whether we are fully aware of it or not.

On the same day he rose from the tomb, Jesus wanted his disciples to make the connection between faith in his resurrection and a meaningful life. This is what he said when he appeared to them as they were gathered together behind locked doors.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:19-21)

What is the meaning that props up our lives?

  • We have peace. Peace with God who has justified us by faith and given us the gift of heaven. Peace in all circumstances.
  • We are sent out by God. It’s more than just everyone’s random different purposes. We are sent under the authority and guidance of the Lord Almighty.
  • We have received the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the powerful being who brought us to faith and salvation. Now the Spirit lives in us to convince us of the truth of God’s Word and strengthen us to live it.
  • We have a message of forgiveness. We know what to say to people. If they repent and believe in Christ their sins are forgiven.

There is plenty of meaning to be found in family, friendships, hobbies, work and learning new things. Hope in Christ doesn’t take away from those people and things but enhances our relationships to them. At the same time hope in Christ is above them all and more sure than any of them can be.

That’s why we can say that Easter is not just for Easter Day! The resurrection puts meaning into our lives.