Easter is awesome, but the week after it can be hard. Let me encourage you with these words from 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
This charge is the logical conclusion of an extended meditation on the resurrection. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, we perishable people will put on imperishability (verse 53). Death does end us or cancel our endeavors for Christ. Therefore, we have reason to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Because of the resurrection, we know that our labor is not in vain.
Be Steadfast and Immovable
Easter can be such a great big swing for a pastor he loses his balance and falls over afterward. You put your heart and soul into your special services and gatherings. Now you’re tired.
As you rest, stay seated down in this resurrection reality so as to be unmoving. Be firm like a fence post in concrete, a brick in mortar. Be the same person this coming Sunday you were last Sunday.
Always Abound in the Work of the Lord
Easter is a certainly a season of abundant work for the Lord. This verse reminds us that, because of the realities we celebrate at Easter, we are to superabound in this work all the time. Literally “every when”.
Let your rest refresh you to get back to work. Don’t let it be an escape from the work. The work is good! It’s not to be escaped. It’s to be tackled with gusto no matter what week in the calendar.
Know that Your Labor is Not in Vain
Ministry isn’t just work; it’s labor. It’s draining, straining, difficult effort a lot of the time. But because of the resurrection, it’s not in vain. It’s full of eternal value and well worth the continual effort. This coming Sunday is as valuable as Easter Sunday.
Thanks to the resurrection, your everyday prayers, preparation, preaching, and pastoring are not in vain!