The good news of the resurrection never gets old. Reaching the end of holy week, we were thankful for the remembrances which referenced and reflected Jesus’ pain and the cost of his obedience as he moved towards the Cross.

But in full celebration on Easter Sunday, we unleashed the joyful, ‘Jesus is Risen.’

The resurrection changed everything. My debt was paid. I am freed from the penalty of sin and death. I can live in relationship with God as his Spirit dwells in me. Amazing!

It is wonderful. A glorious mystery I barely understand and yet I find that I do not always remember the magnitude of what has happened. Busy days, full of ordinary appointments and deadlines, friends and demands on my time can cause me to sideline Christ, to consign him to our daily time together and Sundays. It sort of happens accidentally; do you know what I mean?

God doesn’t want to be sidelined. Admittedly, he won’t force his way back in, but he does want to be part of every area of my life, the mundane and the spiritual. Neither is he remote. He is ever present and active and longs that I allow him to guide me through my days. He has given us his Spirit and made us part of a body, his church, although the church part can be a bit tricky.

Have you noticed how many odd people there are in churches? Of course, there are ordinary people too, those who know God and have walked with him for a long time, but there are others. Misfits and needy people, those I perhaps wouldn’t choose to be around, until I realise that I am one of those misfits.

This is the church, a motley gathering of people who need a Saviour. The place where people come and, amidst brokenness, disagreement and sin, discern that the church is more than what human eyes sees. It is the place where God dwells.

We come to worship him, pray, hear his word, study and socialise, although the activities of the church aren’t our primarily focus. First and foremost, our eyes should be on God. If we focus on the people, then we are in trouble. Human frailties will disappoint us. We all have imperfections, baggage, prejudices, worries and fears. Yet we are the body of Christ and he is presence with us.

Joined by his Spirit, he brings us together in a way that, if we allow, can break hostilities, creating a closeness and connection that changes our lives. Not that this happens easily or quickly. It takes a lifetime and at the stage we begin to understand his heart for the church, a whole new generation enters and the process starts again.

So, this is resurrection life. I remind myself again: God sent his own son to redeem us from our debt. Drawing us close, he transforms our lives and places us in his body. This radical truth, impacts every area of my life.

‘Lord, in the ordinary mundaneness of life, please don’t let me forget the miracle of Christ’s resurrection and what it means for me.’

© copyright Gillian Newham 2026