This week Christians celebrate the two pivotal events that define our faith: the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.

The Crucifixion was the supreme sacrifice that Jesus made to redeem all who believe in Him. That redemption was referred to very early on — and well before Christ’s ministry — by Isaiah, who eloquently wrote: “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” (Isaiah 44:22) What an unfathomable gift to know that through grace and faith and Christ’s bitter death our sins are forgiven!

Of course, that wasn’t the end of the story or of the bounty that the Lord has poured out for three days after His death, Jesus rose again. He conquered death and opened the doors of eternal life. We are not only saved from sin; we are promised life after death. We have great cause to be a joyful people.

But as believers we are called to action. We are called to make disciples of “all nations.” We are called to serve those less fortunate among us, the poor, the widowed, the jailed. And we are called to demonstrate our faith by our actions. James tells us that, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26)

The question, then, is how can we do our part? How can we “Return to Him, for He has redeemed us?” Some are called to active ministry as missionaries, pastors and teachers. Others of us, though, don’t feel so called, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t manifold ways that we can honor Christ’s sacrifice by things we can do.

Go to church! Experience the blessings of worship.  Get involved! The Fuller Center for Housing provides ways for hands-on ministry as we work to house God’s people in need — and we do it as a people who are “Unashamedly Christian and enthusiastically ecumenical.” Pray! James, again, tells us that “the fervent prayers of the faithful availeth much.”

May this Easter season be a time of reflection and joy.  We have much to ponder and much to be grateful for!