Easter With Eliot 

“[Jesus Christ] He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
1 John 2:2 (NIV UK)

I recently re-read T. S. Eliot’s Choruses from the Rock. Originally part of a pageant play, it speaks about a longing for the renewal of Christian faith during hectic and fast-paced modern times. But as I read through it again, a few of the verses jumped out at me.

“Then came, at a predetermined moment, a moment in time and of time, A moment not out of time, but in time, in what we call history: transecting, bisecting the world of time, a moment in time but not like a moment of time, A moment in time but time was made through that moment: for without the meaning there is no time, and that moment of time gave the meaning” (Eliot, p. 199).

This “moment of time” to which Eliot keeps referring is the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord. In that moment everything changed. The wages of sin were paid in full once and for all. Christ became the ultimate atoning sacrifice that brought us back into communion with God. But what I love about Eliot’s verse is how he paints a picture, which includes those who looked forward to Christ’s atonement, those who witnessed it and those of us now who look back and remember it. We are part of this great tradition, part of those who sought God and are continually seeking him today. As the prophets who looked forward, we have the benefit of seeing their prophecies fulfilled in Christ. We look back with a different type of faith, knowing that in our Lord Jesus, our redemption is completely secured.

Through Christ’s glorious incarnation, our wildly creative and compassionate God has made a way back to him. And through his death and resurrection, no one is without hope. In Christ, all have a path back to God. That is why Easter time is the moment in time that “gave the meaning” for everything else. 

Prayer
Mighty Father, Christ’s sacrifice, resurrection and acceptance as our Redeemer is the nexus of all history. Through Christ alone we have been bought back to you, to a life of hope and joyous expectation. Thank you. In His name, Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen

Study by Joseph Tkach

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About the Author:
Joseph Tkach is the President of Grace Communion International (the Denominational name of The Worldwide Church of God UK), and resides in California, USA. You are welcome to attend one of our local Church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, www.gracecom.org.uk under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Contact:
Email: admin@daybyday.org.uk