In one week, we will remember an important day in Christian history, Good Friday. But before Good Friday is Palm Sunday.

In Christian history, the two most important holidays are Christmas and Easter. But without Easter, we may as well not celebrate any holiday. Why? I Corinthians says it so clearly and when I read this today, it made even more sense to me. Please read this passage where the apostle Paul is speaking,  in this modern translation:

The first thing I did was place before you what was placed so emphatically before me: that the Messiah died for our sins, exactly as Scripture tells it; that he was buried; that he was raised from death on the third day, again exactly as Scripture says; that he presented himself alive to Peter, then to his closest followers, and later to more than five hundred of his followers all at the same time, most of them still around (although a few have since died); that he then spent time with James and the rest of those he commissioned to represent him; and that he finally presented himself alive to me. It was fitting that I bring up the rear. I don’t deserve to be included in that inner circle, as you well know, having spent all those early years trying my best to stamp God’s church right out of existence (I Corinthians 15:3-9 MSG).

Why is this passage of Scripture so important? Because we worship a risen person. A Savior. It is one of the most proven facts of history that Jesus actually lived and that he claimed to be God–much to the religious leaders of the day’s dismay–and that he died. For our sins–not his. The best part? On the third day, he rose from the dead–and this part really stands out to me, “presented himself alive to Peter, then closest followers, and later to more than five hundred of his followers..” That, too, is the best authenticated fact of history–that his tomb–or grave–was empty.

We have a living savior. That means we can have a personal relationship with him, unlike someone who is dead. No other religious leader has risen from the dead. Not Buddha. Not Mohammad. Not Confucius. But Jesus–who is God–is alive! We can have a relationship with him. A personal relationship!

I don’t know about you, but that sends me skipping through this day–and the rest of my days. I have a personal Savior. Jesus. How about you? As far as I’m concerned, this is the most important step to having a personal relationship with Jesus. If you aren’t sure you have a personal relationship, you might pray something like this: “Thank you God, for loving me, for sending your Son to die for my sins. I sincerely repent of my sins, and receive Christ as my personal savior. Now, as your child, I turn my entire life over to you. Amen.”

It seems so simple, yet it is the most important prayer you can utter. If you’ve prayed that prayer, like me, you can skip through this day in gratefulness. And then, on Sunday, worship the King.

Until next week, Good Friday, think about the wonderful personal relationship God promises us–unlike any other god. Amazing!

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