Easter.

This post is written specially for my beloved CG members. I'm so proud of all of you for working tirelessly in bringing your friends to church in every big day. You guys are really AMAZING!

But in the midst of our hard work, let's not forget the true purpose of Easter. Let's not forget the message and real meaning of Easter.
Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. But in the midst of our busyness, our big day, our events, our new friends, let's not forget to give thanks to the one who died for us and rose again that we may have a new life.

As all of us know, Adam and Eve sinned against God and since then, the relationship between human beings and God was broken. And the consequences of sin is death, but because God loved us so much, He sent Jesus to die on the cross. So that He as a sinless man would be crucified with all our sins and that we may be pure and holy again through Him. And the best thing is, He conquered death and rose again and defeated the power of Satan. The resurrection of Christ is so important that our it is the foundation of our faith. Do read http://www.konghee.com/www/2010/03/did-jesus-resurrect-from-the-dead/ and learn about Jesus' resurrection.

Today, as we work hard for Easter, I would like to share with you the story of Mary and Martha.
^{Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)
38} As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. ³⁹ Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

⁴¹ But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! ⁴² There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Just like Martha, we may all be distracted or even felt that things were unfair when we serve the Lord.
Perhaps you may be trying to get the attendance from your group members but they have been reluctant in inviting their friends and they replied you late.
Or you may even feel that it is unfair that you have to arrange transport for everyone while the other members can enjoy going to church without going through all the fuss you are experiencing.
Or you may feel that it is unfair because you feel that you are working harder than any other member to bring your friends and you are not really appreciated.
Or you may even feel stress because you have 100 tasks ahead of you and I still push you to bring your friends to church for the weekend.

So perhaps these would be the thoughts that came through your mind..
I'm so frustrated! My group members are not cooperative. They're not replying my smses. I waste my money to text them and they take my sms for granted!
Or.. Why must I be the one who is arranging the transport? Can't someone else do it. It's so unfair!
Or.. I've been trying very hard to invite my friends. But they are just not responding. Other members have friends who are easier to deal with. Of course they can invite more.
Or.. I have my assignments, exams, quiz, now have to deal with Easter some more?! Burn out!
** Turn to your neighbor and say: I know she is not talking about you!**

Let's go back to the story in the bible. Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus. She was spending time with Him and listening to His teachings. And because of that, she is not worried and upset about all the details. Does that mean that Mary was lazy to serve dinner to Jesus? No! Mary too loved Jesus as much as Martha. But her priority was different. She prioritized her relationship with Him over serving Him while Martha thought that she has to serve Him to prove her love to Him.

So could it be that because Martha did not spend time with Jesus, she was serving Him without knowing Him. And by that, she was serving without purpose and meaning. And because of that, she was distracted in her serving and she started comparing herself with her sister. Serving was no longer something personal that she wanted to offer to the Lord. And thus, she got offended at the end.

Guys, I know you guys want to work hard for Easter. We are all excited for the multiplication that is coming.
⁴² There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Jesus said that there is only one thing to be concerned about, that is your relationship with Him. Do you know Jesus enough today? Do you know who is this God you are serving? Do you know the purpose of you bringing friends to Easter? What is the reason behind this hard work?

This Easter, even though we're bringing our friends, attending service with our friends and family let's prepare our hearts to get to know Jesus personally again. Let's desire and expect for more than what we already have.
Getting to know Jesus is a journey. And there is no end to it.
Serving Jesus is a joy. And it will be even joyful when you work partnering the holy spirit.
When you know Jesus, He will never be taken away from you.

I pray that this Easter, you will be able to encounter Him in a whole new level. Remember, when you take one step towards God, He will run 100 steps towards you.