Hope Inside A Russian Doll

I want to tell you a story about a Russian Doll, but let me set it up first. As March unfolds, our hearts turn toward the upcoming Easter celebration, a time when we reflect on the profound significance of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and His “victory securing” resurrection.

Easter is not merely a date on our calendar to find colorful eggs. Easter is a testament to the incarnate work of Jesus. Meaning God dwelt among us through Jesus to reconcile humanity to Himself. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).

The journey of Jesus from Bethlehem’s manger to the cross of Calvary exemplifies God’s incarnate love for us and fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:5, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.”

Easter Sunday marks the glorious culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry—the resurrection. In rising from the grave, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering us eternal life and hope in Him. “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man (the perfect man). For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Through His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated His power over the grave and assured us of our own resurrection if we place our faith in Him.

But there’s even more to the indwelling work of Jesus beyond escaping death. The significance of Easter permeates believers’ daily lives. Just as Jesus walked among His disciples, the Holy Spirit now has taken up residence in believers, serving as a constant companion and guide. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” (John 14:16-17). Just as Jesus entered into the brokenness of humanity, He invites us to participate in His redemptive work. Of course, we can’t do this on our own. Therefore, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers us to live lives this very day that reflect the love and grace of Jesus Christ, enabling us to bear fruit that honors His name.

So about that Russian Doll. You know the little wooden dolls with smaller dolls hidden inside the others? They’re an excellent illustration for those who are trusting in Christ for life. The first and biggest doll represents God, the creator and omnipresent all around us. The second doll inside the first is Jesus, who became a man and dwelt among us, just like I shared above. Through His resurrection, He invites us to live “in Him” and to take part in His perfection so that we can have eternal life.

So, any of us who place our hope in Christ is the third doll inside Christ. Finally, there’s one more doll. The last doll that is placed inside us is the Holy Spirit. The book of Ephesians calls this being “sealed with the promised Spirit .”When the Spirit enters the believer, it’s God saying they belong to Him, and we testify to this fact as we experience the work of the Spirit in us.

The believer is engulfed and surrounded by God as they walk in His love and power.

Easter accomplished so much. Will you repent of your sins and cling to Christ so that you can walk in the newness of life where the old is gone and the new has come? Now is the time.