In Surprised by Hope, N. T. Wright points out the imbalance of spending 40 days observing Lent while spending one day celebrating Easter. He suggests, “If Lent is a time to give things up, Easter ought to be a time to take things up.”
Wright then proposes that the “forty days of Easter season, until the ascension, ought to be a time to balance out Lent by . . . some new task or venture, something wholesome and fruitful and outgoing and self-giving.” In other words, commit 40 days to doing something new that celebrates Jesus’ resurrection—His igniting of God’s new creation in our hearts and the world around us.
Wright’s idea to even out “giving up” with “taking up” is not only a great practice to consider; it also parallels the apostle Paul’s teaching to “throw off” and “put on” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Paul pleads with his readers to submit to the work of the Holy Spirit and throw off their “sinful nature” and “former way of life” that contrast the new creational way of life found in the risen Jesus. In its place, the apostle encourages them to “let the Spirit renew [their] thoughts and attitudes.” He writes, “Put on your new nature, created to be like God” (Ephesians 4:23-24).
For example, Paul encourages them to replace lying with telling their neighbor the truth (Ephesians 4:25). He tells thieves to “quit stealing,” to find a job, and to “give generously to others in need” (Ephesians 4:28). He says to stop using abusive language and to use only words that are “good and helpful” (Ephesians 4:29).
Following the risen Jesus isn’t only about throwing off the old nature. Empowered by His Spirit, it’s about putting on a renewed nature in its place—something made possible by the Lord’s Easter appearance.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Samuel 9:1-13
More:
Read Philippians 3:10-11 and consider what it says about knowing Jesus and His resurrection power.
Next:
What are some things you need to change for God’s glory? What are some new things you need to pursue to honor Him?
Gary Shultz on April 4, 2015 at 6:20 am
I do like this “taking up” thing. I think many people think there is some merit in their work of “giving up” and I would have to agree “taking up” is the deal. Each day we take the cause of Christ and follow Him. We examine our hearts and minds and see much should still be done. It’s a replacing of the poor for the best, maybe even the good for the best. May you “take up” something special this Easter, Thank you.
Winn Collier on April 4, 2015 at 8:27 pm
This chapter from Wright encouraged our church to throw a hot apple cider donut party out on the streets in our city on Easter Sunday. We’ve done it for 5 years now, again tomorrow. Party on.