There have been papers and books written on what is called the “Great Reset”. Actually, there have been many resets in the history of the United States - From the ratification of the US Constitution to wars, to plagues, to financial crises. Typically, valleys the nation has faced have made the country stronger and more unified.

Not so in more recent history. In his talk at Hillsdale College, Michael Rectenwald referenced a book on the Great Reset and stated how there is a renewed focus to “pit ‘stakeholder capitalism’ against ‘neoliberalism,’ defining the latter as ‘a corpus of ideas and policies … favoring competition over solidarity, creative destruction over government intervention, and economic growth over social welfare.’ Neoliberalism refers to the free enterprise system. In opposing that system, stakeholder capitalism entails corporate cooperation with the state and vastly increased government intervention in the economy." We have seen a lot of that lately.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. – John 20:19-20. “Peace be with you!” – What a peace it was! All the teaching, all the parables all of a sudden made sense. Jesus had conquered death and was standing among them! Nothing the Roman government was doing or the religious authorities were spewing had sway over this moment. It was the realization that Jesus was before what is was, and He will be after what is is no more. He was the Word become flesh, born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life and obeyed His Father all the way to the point of death, even death on a cross! He put death to sin, was dead and buried. He walked out of the tomb, victorious over death, and appeared to the women, His disciples and to the many! Wow! Now that is the Greatest Reset of all time! The reset that set the captives, individuals that follow Him free! He did not reach out to governments or even religious authorities of the day. Rather, He empowered His followers to be a Kingdom influence in government and religious institutions. The charge to dads this Easter is to rebuke worldly influences that have been granted too much power over family and society. Dads are to live into the Greatest Reset, the Easter story and carry it forward by stepping up as a Kingdom influence in family, church and the community.

Dads must stay alert to discern through the resets in this world. Many have experienced personal resets in the form of job loss, health issues, family struggles, addiction or a fall from grace. Others face broader resets in business, churches and politics. Pride and justification facilitate a two-step dance with evil. Humility and sanctification reflect the Spirit that has carried the Greatest Reset forward for over 2000 years.

Prayer guide: Father, thank You for Your word and Your Son. I confess I have allowed resets in this world to distract, discourage and dishearten me to the point of impotence as the leader of my family. Forgive me. I love Easter! It is the reminder that I am free of the worldly influences I have granted too much power to. I am reminded that I have the power of the resurrected Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as I live into the Greatest Reset. Grant me strength to lead as You expect me to lead in family, and boldness to be a Kingdom influence in church and community. That is the dad You call me to be and that’s the dad kids across this nation need to see. Amen.

A faithful father lives into the Greatest Reset and carries it forward.